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Jkpard 


AFTER  THE  GERMAN   VERSION   OF 


GOETHE 


BY 


THOMAS    JAMES    ARNOLD,   ESQ. 


WITH    ILLUSTRATIONS    BY 

WILHELM    VON  KAULBACH. 


gtmfdjen  Ueberfetjung  unb  llmarbeitung   fd)roe6enb. 

Gothe. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
GEBBIE  &   CO.,  PUBLISHERS. 

1885. 


the 


REYNAKD  THE  FOX. 

TRANSLATED    BY    THOMAS    ARNOLD  FROM 

THE  GERMAN  OF  GOETHE. 
The  story  of  REYNARD  THE  Fox,  here  presented  to 
the  American  public  in  the  Translation  of  Mr.  Arnold, 
is  one  which  has  been  famous  for  centuries.  The 
earliest  edition  known  of  this  remarkable  work  is  pre- 
served in  the  Grenville  Library  at  the  British  Museum, 
and  is  supposed  to  be  a  unique  copy;  it  is  a  black  letter 
octavo  in  Dutch,  and  was  printed  at  Gouda,  near  Rot- 
terdam, in  1479.  Upon  this  work  was  based  the  trans- 
lation of  William  Caxton,  published  in  1481.  This  first 
English  REYNARD  is  also  extremely  rare,  only  three 
copies  being  known,  of  which  two  are  in  the  British 
Museum ;  it  is,  however,  easy  of  reference,  having  been 
reprinted  by  the  Percy  Society  in  1844.  The  first  Ger- 
man version  was  published  at  Liibeck  in  1498,  but  the 
origin  of  the  legend  is  much  more  remote,  the  poem 
having  been  known  in  Low  German,  French,  and  Latin, 
even  in  the  twelfth  century.  At  the  present  day,  it 
is  impossible  to  trace  the  authorship  of  the  oldest  ver- 
sion, referred  by  some  to  Willem  die  Matoc ;  but  a 
Reinhart  Fuchs  is  still  preserved,  dating  about  the  mid- 
dle of  the  thirteenth  century,  and  it  would  seem  that 
the  earliest  traces  of  the  Poem  must  be  sought  in 
Flanders,  where  the  nucleus  of  the  series  of  adventures 
was  formed.  Henry  von  Alkmar,  who  was  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  Duke  of  Lorraine,  is  stated,  in  the  Preface  to 
'the  Liibeck  Edition,  to  be  the  first  who  translated  the 
story  from  the  Italian  and  French  into  German;  but 
other  authorities  refer  the  authorship  to  a  certain 
Nicholas  Bauraann,  who  died  at  Rostock  in  1526,  and 
the  motive  of  his  writing  the  Poem  is  stated  to  have 
been  revenge  for  the  persecution  with  which  he  was 
visited  at  th&  Court  of  Julicb.  Yet  the  story  was  evi- 
dently not  of  his  invention,  therefore  he  must  only  be 
regarded  as  one  of  the  numerous  editors.  Its  earliest 
public  seems  to  have  been  the  same  which  received 
with  avidity  the  Eulenspiegel  legend,  the  Lay  of  the 
Niebelungen,  the  Ship  of  Fools  of  Sebastian  Brandt, 
and  similar  productions — and  in  its  general  satiric 
views  of  mankind  it  belongs  especially  to  the  grotesque 
VOL.  IV.—  W.  H. 


school  which  has  given  to  Germany  some  of  its  most 
enduring  fictions.  Its  celebrity,  however,  is  European  ; 
and,  translated  into  almost  every  language,  it  has 
become  a  native  of  many  lands. 

Such  a  work,  to  be  adequately  represented  to  the 
present  age,  required  the  hand  of  a  master  who  should 
unite  with  the  grave  wisdom  of  the  acute  and  experi- 
enced man  of  the  world,  the  happy  and  playful  facility 
of  the  better  kind  of  critic;  such  a  combination  pre- 
sented itself  in  GOETHE:  such  a  book  the  product 
naturally  to  be  expected.  The  enlarged  views  of 
later  centuries  blend  most  opportunely  with  the  an- 
tique form,  and  under  the  veil  of  animals  the  symbolic 
representations  of  the  diverse  passions  of  men  stand 
boldly  in  relief,  creations  as  real  as  many  passing  forms 
which,  like  mirror-shadows,  endure  not. 

This  is,  however,  no  place  for  entering  upon  the 
criticism  of  a  poem  like  the  Reynard  of  Goethe,  which 
was  published  in  1793,  while  the  French  Revolution 
was  at  its  height,  a  biting  commentary  on  that  fearful 
time.  Books  of  such  significance  descend  into  the 
depths  of  the  soul  without  the  dead  weight  of  the 
critic's  laudation  being  attached  to  them. 

One  of  the  specialities  of  the  present  edition  con- 
sists in  the  reproduction,  for  the  first  time  in  this 
country,  of  the  wonderful  engravings  of  Kaulbach, 
who  seized  upon  the  spirit  of  Goethe's  design,  and  as- 
sumed with  a  happy  facility  the  mood,  which,  as  by  a 
witch's  spell,  transformed  men  into  their  brute  syno- 
nyms. Reared  into  artistic  power,  under  the  careful 
eye  of  Cornelius,  Wilhelm  von  Kaulbach  was  one 
of  the  foremost  men  of  Germany  in  art.  At  an  early 
period  he  distinguished  himself  in  sarcastic  and  hu- 
moresque  drawing,  and  it  would  be  curious  to  know 
whether  the  pictorial  epic  of  Reynard  was  not  an  early 
conception  in  the  artist's  mind,  cherished  there  as  only 
true  and  wished-for  designs  can  be  cherished,  and  exe- 
cuted in  enthusiastic  leisure. 

The  work,  in  its  original  quarto  form,  appeared  in 
1846,  and  has  obtained  for  Kaulbach  an  ineffaceable 
reputation.  So  great  was  the  popularity  of  that  edition, 
that,  in  1857,  a  reduction  in  the  size  of  the  engravings 
was  made,  and  the  Poem  republished  by  Cotta.  From 
this  smaller  book  the  present  edition  has  originated. ' 

1 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


The  designs  have  been  faithfully  transferred  by  Eng- 
lish artists,  and  reproduced  with  every  attention  to 
detail  and  execution.  Thus  the  reader  will  have,  in  our 
"  Library  of  Wit  and  Humor"  a  series  of  artistic  produc- 
tions, which,  for  a  union  of  idealism  and  naturalism,  have 
never  been  surpassed  and  rarely  equalled.  These  varied 
and  remarkable  conceptions  of  Goethe's  poem  vividly 
render  the  epic  design  of  the  author,  and  their  singular 
fertility  in  detail  evidences  the  closest  study  of  animal 
habits,  conjoined  with  the  greatest  attention  to  the 
leading  purpose  of  satirising  the  peculiarities  of  society. 
No  series  of  engravings  could  so  adequately  have  ful- 
filled this  object— the  thorough  adaptation  of  homely 
and  domestic  furniture  in  the  abode  of  Reynard  is 
strangely,  but  most  admirably  contrasted  by  the  mag- 
nificence  which  reigns  in  the  leonine  household,  while 
in  no  case  has  Nature  been  wronged  by  a  departure 
from  the  laws  which  govern  brute  forms  and  pecu- 
liarities. 

These  words  will,  it  is  hoped,  sufficiently  explain  to 
the  reader  the  end  and  aim  of  the  poet,  and  the  truth- 
fulness and  genius  of  the  artist. 


CHAPTER  THE  FIRST. 

THE  ACCUSATION. 

THE  pleasant  feast  of  Whitsuntide  was  come ; 
The  woods  and  hills  were  clad  in  vernal  bloom  ; 
The  full-awakened  birds,  from  every  tree, 
Made  the  air  ring  with  cheerful  melody ; 
Sweet  were  the  meadows  after  passing  showers  ; 
Brilliant  the  heaven  with  light,  the  earth  with 

flowers. 
Noble,  the  King  of  Beasts,  now  holds  his 

Court ; 

Thither  his  summoned  Vassals  all  resort ; 
From  North  and  South  they  troop,  from  East 

and  West, 

Of  Birds  and  Quadrupeds  the  First  and  Best. 
The  Royal  will  had  been  proclaimed,  that  all 
Of  ev'ry  class  should  come,  both  Great  and 

Small 

To  grace  the  pomp  of  that  high  festival : 
Not  One  should  fail ;  and  yet  there  did  fail  One ; 
Reynard  the  Fox,  the  Rogue,  was  seen  of  none  ; 
His  many  crimes  from  Court  kept  him  away ; 
An  evil  conscience  shuns  the  light  of  day. 
To  face  that  grave  Assembly  much  he  feared, 
For  all  accused  him ;  no  one  had  he  spared : 
Greybeard,  the  Badger,  stood  his  friend  alone, 
The  Badger,  who  was  Reynard's  Brother's  son. 

Begirt  with  many  a  Relative  and  Friend, 
Who  aid  in  war,  in  peace  might  counsel  lend, 
Sir  Iseftrim.  the  "\ffpjf,.  approached  the  throne, 
And  with  due  rev'rence  bowing  humbly  down, 


His  suit  in  plaintive  accents  he  began, 
And  thus  his  wrathful  accusation  ran : — 

"  Most  gracious  Lord  and  King !  in  pity  hear  V 
Let  my  complaint  find  favour  in  Your  ear. 
Happy  the  subjects  of  Your  glorious  reign ; 
Here  none  who  seek  for  justice  seek  in  vain. 
Vouchsafe,  then,  to  commis'rate  my  distress] 
For  Reynard's  malice  grant  me  some  redress. 
Me  in  all  ways  the  Wretch  hath  wronged  and 

shamed, 
My    spouse    dishonoured    and    my  Children 

maimed ; 

Three  lie  at  home,  the  youngest  born  of  six, 
Befouled  and  blinded  by  his  filthy  tricks. 

"  'T  is  long  ago  my  plaint  in  Court  was  filed, 
Showing  by  Reynard  how  I'd  been  beguiled ; 
The  cunning  Fox  knew  well  a  plea  to  draw, 
And  boldly  he  presumed  to  wage  his  law : 
He  dared  not  come  at  the  appointed  day  ; 
So  I  had  judgment — and  my  costs  to  pay. 
All  present  here  can  vouch  this  tale  is  true ; 
But  none  can  tell  such  things  as  I  can  do. 
Had  I  the  tongues  of  Angels,  lungs  of  brass, 
Whole  days  and  weeks — nay,  months  and  years 

would  pass 

Ere  I  could  mention  all  my  injuries, 
Or  tell  one  half  his  crimes  and  tricks  and  lies. 
If  all  the  Sheep  on  earth  were  killed  and  flayed, 
And  all  their  skins  were  into  parchment  made, 
Not  half  sufficient  were  they  to  contain, 
The  wrongs  whereof  I  justly  could  complain : 
The  worst  is  the  dishonour  of  my  Wife ; 
That  eats  away  my  heart,  and  sours  my  life : 
Desire  of  vengeance  haunts  me,  night  and  day, 
And  vengeance  I  will  have,  come  what  come 

may." 

He  ceased,  and  stood  in  silent  mood  apart, 
Gloom  on  his  brow  and  anger  in  his  heart. 
Up  jumped  a  Poodle  from  a  neighbouring 

bench, 
Hight  Frizpate,  who  addressed  the  King  in 

French. 

And  he  complained,  it  was  not  long  ago, 
In  winter,  when  the  ground  was  deep  in  snow, 
That  not  a  single  Beast  could  hunt  his  prey, 
He'd  given  much  in  charity  away, 
And  for  himself  had  but  one  sausage  left; 
By  the  false  Fox  of  this  he  was  bereft : 
A  foul  and  almost  sacrilegious  theft ! 

Scant  had  he  spoken  when  with  fiery  eyes, 
Tybalt,  the  Cat,  sprang   forth  in  angry  wine, 
And    kiK'cling  rrird — "My    august    and    gra- 
cious King, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Reynard  must  answer  many  a  grievous  thing : 
Most  dreaded  of  all  living  beasts  is  he, 
Ay,  more  than  e'en  Your  sacred  Majesty. 
Grant  me  Your  patience,  though ;    and  hear 

me  out : 

Frizpate  hath  little  to  complain  about: 
The  thing  he  speaks  of  happened  years  by- 
gone; 


Should  be  the  last  to  speak  of  robbery." 
The  Panther  then  —  "These  jars  are  little 

use; 

Reynard's  misdeeds  admit  of  no  excuse ; 
He  is  a  Robber  and  a  Murderer ; 
That,  in  this  Presence  boldly  I  aver. 
No  kind  of  crime  but  he  doth  exercise; 
Nought  sacred  is  there  in  his  impious  eyes: 


That  sausage  ne'er  was  his ;  it  was  my  own, 
My  all,  my  only  remaining  sustenance; 
I  stumbled  on  it  by  the  merest  chance. 
I  happened  once  into  a  mill  to  creep; 
It  was  was  deep  night ;  the  Miller  fast  asleep  ; 
Being  at  that  time  stinted  in  my  diet, 
I  took  the  sausage ;  why  should  I  deny  it  ? 
But  Frizpate  filched  it  from  me;  so  that  he 


His  soul  is  fixed  upon  ungodly  pelf; 
Although  the  Nobles,  nay,  the  King  himself 
Should  suffer  loss  of  health  and  wealth  and 

all, 

And  the  whole  state  to  hopeless  ruin  fall, 
So  he  could  get  the  leg  of  a  fat  Capon,  he 
Would  never  care  the  value  of  a  half-penny. 
"Let  me  relate  the  trick  he  tried  to  play 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


To  Puss,  the  gentle  Hare,  but  yesterday  ;— 
Poor  Puss,  who  lives  just  like  an  Anchoret, 
And  never  injured  mortal  Being  yet. 


Reynard,  who  latterly  has  given  out 
That  he  has  turned  ascetic  and  devout, 
Promis'd  he'd  teach  him  at  the  quickest  rate, 
How  he  as  Chaplain,  might  officiate; 
'  The  service  you  shall  chant ; '  quoth  he,  '  as 

we  do; 

And  we'll  begin  our  lesson  with  the  Credo!' 
So  down  they  sat  together  and  began; 
For  he  had  no  misgivings — the  good  Man. 
But  not  long  time  continued  they  to  sing; 
For,  'gainst  the  Peace  of  our  dread  Lord,  the 

King, 

And  setting  at  defiance  all  his  laws, 
He  seized  on  Puss  with  his  pernicious  claws. 
I  heard  their  song  as  I  was  passing  by, 
And  wondered  that  it  stopped  so  suddenly ; 
I'd  scarce  proceeded  though  a  dozen  span, 

ere 

I  took  the  Felon  Reynard  with  the  mainour. 
Fast  hold  had  he  of  Pussy  by  the  throat, 
That  he  could  scarce  articulate  one  note. 
Certes,  at  that  time  had  I  not  come  up, 
He'd  gone  that  night  in  Paradise  to  sup. 
Yon  stands   our   timid   Friend ;    and   in  his 

flesh 
You  still  may  see  his  wounds  all   raw  and 

fresh. 
"  Will  not  our  Sov'reign  Lord  these  ills 

abate? 


Will    you,  brave   Peers  and    pillars  of  the 

State, 

Such  daily  breaches  of  the  peace  permit, 
Such  violations  of  the  Royal  writ  ? 
If  there  no  stop  be  put  to  these  foul  crimes, 
Much  do  I  fear  me,  that  in  future  times 
Frequent   reproach   the    King  will    have  to 

hear 
From  all   to   whom   Justice   and  Right   are 

dear." 

Again  spake  Isegrim:   " 'T  is  even  so, 
Reynard  has  ever  been  the  common  Foe; 
'T  were  better  he  had  perished  long  ago. 
For  while   that  wretch   shall   live,    no   rest 

will  be 

For  honest,  loyal,  peaceful  Folk,  like  me. 
Albeit,  according  to  the  present  fashion, 
The  Felon  ever  meets  with  most  compassion  ; 
If  such  crimes  pass  unpunished,  not  a  year 

hence 

We  all  shall  rue  our  most  unwise  forbear- 
ance." 

Undaunted  by  this  host  of  angry  Foes, 
The  Badger,  Reynard's  Nephew,  now  uprose; 
Boldly  prepared  to  plead  his  Uncle's  cause, 
All  stained  with  crime  and  falsehood  as  he 

was. 

"Now  fair  and  soft,  Sir  Isegrim,"  said  he; 
"  Your  words  smack  less  of  truth  than  en- 
mity. 

'Tis  known  you  hate  my  Uncle ;  and,  in  sooth, 
A  fair   word  had  he   ne'er  from   your   foul 

mouth. 
Yet    from    your  malice  hath   he    nought  to 

fear. 

In  the  King's  favour  stood  he  now  but  here, 
He'd  give  you  ample  reason  to  repent 
Stirring  in  these  stale  subjects  of  complaint. 
You  take  good  care  too  not  to  say  one  word 
Of  ills  that  he  for  your  sake  hath  incurred. 
Yet  many  of  the  Barons  here  well  know 
What  happened  not  so  very  long  ago ; 
When  you  and  he  a  solemn  covenant  sware, 
That  friendship  Each  should    to   the    Other 

bear, 

And,  like  true  Comrades,  Good  and  Evil  share. 
I  must  relate,  it  is  not  long  to  tell, 
The  strange  adventure  which  that  time  befell, 
When  you  and  he,  in  the  cold  winter  weather, 
Went  through  the  country  travelling  together. 
"  It  chanced  a  Carter,  on  the  King's  high 

road, 
Was  driving  homeward  with  a  heavy  load ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Your  subtle  nostrils  soon  sniffed  out  't  was 

fish; 
You'd  soon  have  had  them  if  you'd  had  your 

wish  : 
But  they  were  closely  packed ;  and  what  was 

worse, 

You'd  not  a  single  stiver  in  your  purse. 
What  then  did  my  kind-hearted  Uncle  do  ? 
Ah  !  what  indeed  hath  he  not  done  for  you  ? 
Down  in  the  road  he  laid  himself  for  dead  : 
'T  was  a  bold  thought  to  come  into  his  head ! 
And  when  the  Carter  saw  him  lying  there, 
To  kill  him  out-an-end  did  he  prepare ; 
But,  cunning  Reynard  still  held  in  his  breath, 
StifPning  his  limbs  and  counterfeiting  death  ; 
'T  was  a  consummate  masterpiece  of  art, 
That  showed  him  cool  of  head  as  brave   of 

heart ;  [in  his  cart. 

The  Carter  picked  him  up,  and  pitched  him 
A  cap  he  thought  to  make  out  of  his  skin, 
And  a  bag  too  to  keep  his  dollars  in. 
This  did  my  Uncle  do  for  Isegrim  : 
When  would  he  venture  such  a  risk  for  him  ? 
While  onward  went  the  Carter  with  his  load, 
Reynard  kept  throwing  fish  down  in  the  road ; 
And  Isegrim,  who  was  in  haste  to  sup, 
Fast  as  he  threw  them  down,  gobbled  them  up. 
Reynard  grew  weary  of  this  sport  at  last, 
And  thought  'twas  his  turn  now  to  break  his 

fast; 
So  down    he  sprang ;    but  with    disgust   and 

wonder 

Found  Isegrim  had  pilfered  all  the  plunder : 
He'd   stuffed    till    he  was  nigh  to  burst   in 

sunder. 

He  told  my  Uncle  he  had  left  his  share — 
But  nothing  but  the  heads  and  bones  were 

there. 

"  Another  of  his  tricks  I  must  narrate ; 
And  so  Heav'n  help  me,  as  I  truth  relate. 
A  Countryman  had  lately  killed  a  Swine ; 
Large  were  its  hams  and  noble  was  its  chine. 
Reynard  had  found  out  where  the  carcase  hung 
And  told  it  Isegrim  with  truthful  tongue. 
And  they  agreed  in  common  they  would  toil, 
Would  share  the  danger  and  divide  the  spoil : 
To  Reynard's  share  the  danger  fell  alone ; 
But  of  the  spoil,  forsooth,  he'd  next  to  none. 
The  larder-walls  were  strong  and  steep  and 

high; 

My  Uncle  clomb  them,  though,  right  skilfully ; 
True  to  his  word,  did  he  the  Porker  throw 
Out  of  the  window  to  the  Wolf  below. 


Now,  by  bad  fortune,  there  were  in  the  grounds 
A  couple  of  most  ill-conditioned  Hounds ; 
They  chased  my  Uncle  with  appalling  din; 
He  got  away,  but  not  with  a  whole  skin : 
And  straight  unto  the  Wolf  his  way  did  make, 
To  show  what  he  had  suffered  for  his  sake, 
And  claim  his  lawful  share ;  then  Isegrim 
Said  he'd  reserved  the  prime  tit-bit  for  him ; 
And  thrusting  in  his  cheek  his  lying  tongue, 
Produced  the  hook  by  which  the  Pig  had  hung. 
His  feelings  Reynard  had  no  words  t'  express, 
But  what  he  felt  all  present  here  may  guess. 
"  Scores  of  such  pranks  I  might  remember 

well, 

Were  you  inclined  to  hear,  and  I  to  tell 
But  't  is  enough  :    were  Reynard  summoned 

here, 
Soon  would  he  make  his  innocence  appear. 

"As  for  the  other  charge,  't  is  most  absurd  ; 
You,  my  dread  Liege,  and  you,  my  Lords, 

have  heard 

What  Isegrim  has  said  about  his  Wife, 
Whom  't  was  his  duty  to  protect  with  life. 
In  all  its  details  that  affair  I  know  ; 
It  happened  now  just  seven  years  ago, 
That  Reynard's  bosom  first  received  a  wound 
From  the  soft  eyes  of  Lady  Gieremund. 
My  Uncle  is  not  to  be  blamed  at  all : 
They  met  together  at  a  fancy  ball : 
Is'grim  had  gone  upon  a  tour  to  Rome  : 
Husbands,  if  wise,  would  always  stay  at  home. 
My  Uncle  proffered  her  his  faith  and  troth  ; 
She  sanctioned  his  attentions,  nothing  loth. 
Is  it  not,  therefore,  a  most  crying  shame, 
That   her   own  Lord  should    sully  her   fair 

fame? 

What  any  Man  of  honour  would  conceal, 
He  seems  to  take  a  pleasure  to  reveal. 

"What  have  we  next?  This  trumpery  affair, 
The  Panther  has  brought  up  about  the  Hare 
Such  utter  trash !  what!  shall  a  Master  scruple 
To  chastise  a  perverse  or  sluggish  Pupil  ? 
If  this  be  so,  how  are  our  Youth  to  be 
Trained  up  in  learning  and  morality? 
The  wisest  book  that  ever  was  compiled 
Says,  if  you  spare  the  rod  you  spoil  the  child. 
"  Then  we  have    Mounseer  Frizpate,  who 

complains 

He  was  deprived  of  his  ill-gotten  gains. 
A  pretty  fuss,  forsooth,  about  a  sausage ! 
'T  were  better  he  said  nothing  of  that  passage. 
For  it  turns  out 't  was  stolen ;  and  the  Thief 
Has  the  assurance  now  to  ask  relief. 


6 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


The  Evil  on  his  own  head  has  recoiled : 

'T  is  only  just  the  Spoiler  should  be  spoiled. 

Is  Reynard  blamed,  that  from  a  Robber  he 

Has  wrung  the  fruits  of  his  dishonesty  ? 

He  did  his  duty,  that  deny  who  can, 

Like  a  true  Fox  and  loyal  Gentleman. 

Why,  had  he  hanged  him  on  the  spot,  I  ween, 

He  must  assuredly  have  pardoned  been  : 

But  he  respects  the  King's  Prerogative, 

And  therefore  spared  the  Thief  and  let  him 

live. 

"  But  little  justice  can  my  Uncle  get ; 
At  least,  but  little  hath  he  got  as  yet ; 
Since  the  King's  Peace  was  publicly  made 

known, 

No  one  hath  led  the  life  that  he  hath  done, 
With  books  he  passes  half  his  time  away, 
And  takes  but  one  abstemious  meal  a  day. 
Water  his  only  drink,  and  roots  his  food  ; 
Poultry  and  butchers'  meat  he  hath  eschew'd, 
And  cannot  bear  the  very  thought  of  blood  ; 
With  whips  doth  mortify  his  flesh,  and  wear 
Next  to  his  very  skin  a  shirt  of  hair. 
I  heard  it  mentioned  only  yesterday, 
By  one  who  happened  to  have  passed  that 

way ; 

His  castle,  Malepartus,  he  hath  shut, 
And  in  the  desert  built  a  Hermit's  hut. 
So  lean  and  pale  and  haggard  he  hath  grown, 
By  his  best    Friends  he   scarcely  would  be 

known. 

But  'tis  the  burden  of  a  good  old  song, 
That  absent  Folks  are  ever  in  the  wrong. 
I  only  wish  to  Heav'n  that  he  were  here  ; 
From  all    these  scandals  he  would  soon  be 

clear." 
Scarce  had  he  ceased,  when  from  a  neigh- 

b'ring  hill 

A  cry  resounded,  like  a  clarion  shrill. 
The  voice  it  was  of  honest  Chanticleer, 
Who  with   his  Wives  and   Concubines  drew 

near  ; 

A  dead  Hen  borne  behind  him  on  a  bier. 
It  was  the  headless  corpse  of  young  Greyleg, 
As  good  a  Fowl  as  ever  laid  an  egg ; 
His  fav'rite  Daughter  of  a  num'rous  brood ; 
And  impious  Reynard  now  had  shed  her  blood. 
Foremost  the  sad  and  mourning  Sire  doth 

stride, 

His  dappled  wings  low  trailing  by  his  side ; 
While  after    him    two    youthful    Cock'rells 

march, 
Each  bearing  in  his  grasp  a  barning  torch ; 


Cantart  of  one,  Cryart  the  other's  name  ; 
'Twixt  France  and  Holland  none  more  known 

to  fame ; 
They  were  the  Brothers    of    the    murdered 

Dame. 

Four  tender  Pullets  bore  their  Mother's  bier, 
Clucking  so  loud  't  was  pitiful  to  ear; 
Dire  was  the  clatter,  awful  were  the  cries, 
And   the   shrill   clamor   pierced  the  startled 

skies. 

Soon  as  the  Heralds  silence  had  restor'd, 
Unto  the  throne  stepped  up  the  martial  Bird  ; 
O'erwhelm'd  with  woe  he  thrice  essayed  to 

speak, 
And    thrice   the  words  died  choking  in  his 

beak. 

Ashamed  so  chicken-hearted  to  appear, 
He  gave  one  vig'rous  crow  his  voice  to  clear, 
And  thus  began ; — "  My  Liege  and  Sov'reign, 

hail! 

With  pity  listen  to  my  grievous  tale- 
See  upon  yonder  blood-stained  bier, 
A  proof  of  Reynard's  cruel  spite, 
And  wanton  enmity  to  right, 
Partlett,  the  best  and  most  submissive  Wife 
That  ever  solaced  a  poor  Husband's  life. 
How  joyed  was  I  with  her  and  them  to  rove, 
And  watch  my  Offspring  full  of  life  and  love. 
That  time  no  terrors  for  their  lot  I  felt, 
For  in  complete  security  we  dwelt : 
Our  home  was  in  a  convent's  spacious  yard, 
Whose  lofty  walls  its  inmates  safely  guard ; 
And  six  stout  Dogs  belonging  to  the  farm, 
Who  loved  us  well,  protected  us  from  harm. 
"Reynard,  it   seems,    that  lawless   Repro- 
bate, 

Like  Satan,  envying  our  happy  state, 
Around  our  Eden  often  lay  in  wait. 
Stealthily  round  the  walls  by  night  he'd  creep, 
And  through  the  crannies  of  the  gates  would 

peep. 

The  trusty  Guardians  of  myself  and  Wife 
Oft  made  the  Ruffian  scamper  for  dear  life; 
Once  they  did  catch   him,  and   well   tanned 

his  hide, 

He  got  away,  though  sorely  scarified ; 
And  for  a  good  while  after  let  us  bide. 

"  But  ah,  Sire !   now  begins  my  tale  of  woe : 
Again  he  came,  and  that  not  long  ago; 
Within  our  convent  walls  he  slily  slunk 
Clad  in  the  vestments  of  a  holy  Monk, 
Wore  a  long  frock,  and  sandals  'stead  of  shoes, 
And  looked  for  all  the  world  like  a  Recluse. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Water  his  only  drink  and  roots  his  food ; 
All  flesh  of  every  kind  he  had  eschewed, 
And  could  not  bear  the  very  thought  of  blood. 
But    that  my  Wife  and  Daughters    present 

were, 
He  said  he  would  have  shown    the   shirt  of 

hair, 

Which  he  for   penance  next   his  skin  must 
wear 


And,  on  the  word  and  honour  of  a  Fowl, 

I  myself  saw  the  tonsure  'neath  his  cowl. 

Tow'rds  him  I  own  I  felt  my  heart  relent, 

He  seem'd  so  really,  truly  penitent ; 

He  spoke  of  his  past  sins  with  such  compunc- 
tion, 

And  of  the  Heav'nly  grace  with   so   much 
unction. 

'  Farewell ! '  at  length  he  cried,  '  I  needs  must 
go; 

'  I  still  have  many  pious  deeds  to  do ; 

'  I  have  the  Nones  and  Vespers  yet  to  say, 

'  And  by  a  dying  Vulture's  bed  to  pray. 

'  He  too  was  a  sad  Sinner  in  his  day. 

'  Bless  you,  my  Children,  may  you  ever  thrive 

'  In  the  calm  peace  which  this  World  cannot 
give. ' 

And  saying  thus,  the  odious  Hypocrite 

Crossing  himself  departed  from  our  sight. 

He  left  us,  all  his  soul  on  mischief  bent; 

While  ours  were  filled  with  happiest  content. 
"  We  ventured  forth ;  and  habit,  more  than 
fear, 

Kept  us  at  first  to  the  old  convent  near. 


Reynard  we  daily  saw  near  our  abode ; 
It  seem'd  some  bus'ness  led  him  oft  that  road ; 
His  looks  were  ever  bent  upon  the  ground, 
As  though  his  mind  were  lost  in  thought  pro- 
found ; 

Or,  if  he  chanced  our  family  to  see, 
It  was  '  Good'en '  and  '  Benedicite ; ' 
And  he  would  tell  his  beads  and  seem  to  pray, 
And  smite  his  breast,  and  so  pass  on  his  way. 
"  Now,  bolder  grown,  we  further  went  abroad, 
In  search  of  pleasure  and  our  daily  food. 
Ah !  fatal  error !  from  behind  a  bush 
Reynard  among  us  made  a  sudden  rush. 
Scatt'ring  and  squand'ring  to  the  left  and  right, 
Tow'rds  our  old  home  we  took  our  screaming 

flight, 

In  vain,  alas !  our  Foe  was  there  before ; 
In  threat'ning  guise  he  barred  us  from  the 

door: 

With  surer  aim  this  time  he  bore  away 
Of  all  my  Sons  the  fairest  as  his  prey : 
And  I  was  there,  and  impotent  to  save ! 
My  Son !  my  Son !  my  Beautiful !  my  Brave ! 
"And  now  he  once  had  tasted  of  our  blood. 
It  seemed  as  he  disdained  all  other  food  : 
At  all  times  came  he  on  us — night  and  day  — 
Nor  Dogs,  nor  Men,  nor  gates,  kept  him  away. 
Of  all  mine  Offspring  I'm  well  nigh  bereft; 
Five,  out  of  twenty,  all  that  now  are  left : 
With  grief  and  terror  I  am  all  but  wild  ; 
Soon  will  he  leave  me  neither  Chick  nor  Child. 
Oh,  give  me  justice !  'twas  but  yesterday 
He  tore  my  Daughter  from  my  side  away ; 
Villain  !  without  or  pity  or  remorse  : 
The  Dogs  were  but  in  time  to  save  her  corse. 
See,  there  she  lies !  my  Child  whom  Reynard 

slew! 

Help  me,  or  he  will  have  the  Others  too ! 
Oh !  Cock-a-doodle,  cock-a-doodle  doo !  " 
Fierce  was  the  fire  that  in  the  King's  eye 

burned, 

As  to  the  Badger  wrathfully  he  turned, 
And  thus  began ;  "  Come  hither,  Sir,  and  see 
This  sample  of  your  Uncle's  piety ! 
Now  by  my  royal  mane  I  make  a  vow, 
This  Miscreant  shall  not  pass  unpunish'd  so, 
If  Heav'n  preserve  my  life  another  year. 
But  words  avail  not.    Honest  Chanticleer, 
I  claim  the  right  your  inj'ries  to  redress, 
To  share,  if  not  to  lessen,  your  distress. 
Entombed  shall  your  fair  Daughter  be,  with  all 
The  pomp  befits  a  royal  funeral : 
A  Vigil  shall  be  sung,  a  Mass  be  said, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


The  more  to  honour  the  illustrious  Dead: 
We  with  our  Council  will   the  while  take 

thought 
How  may  the  Murd'rer  be  to  justice  brought." 

In  sable  was  the  Chapel  Royal  hung ; 
The  Mass  was  duly  said,  the  Vigil  sung. 
The  People,  joining  with  the  Quiristers 
Sang  Domino  placebo,  verse  by  verse. 
I  could  relate  who  gave  each  versicle, 
Who  the  responses ;  but 't  were  long  to  tell ; 
And  so  I  pass  it  by  :  't  is  just  as  well. 

Deep  in  a  grave  they  laid  the  honor'd  Dead, 
And  placed  a  marble  tablet  at  her  head ; 
'T  was  thick,  and  square,  and  polished  bright 

as  glass, 
With  this  inscription  graven  on  its  face  : 


GREYLEG  THE  SPECKLED  ONE  LIES  BURIED 

HERE 
THE     DEAK-LOVED      DAUGHTER    OF     BRAVE 

CHANTICLEER 
THROUGHOUT  THE  EARTH  'T  WERE  VAIN  TO 

SEEK  HER  MATCH 
NO  HEN  COULD  OFT'NER  LAY  OR  FEATLIER 

SCRATCH 

IN  REYNARD'S  CLUTCH  SHE  DREW  HER 

LATEST  BREATH 
AND  PASSED  UNTIMELY  TO  THE  REALMS 

OF  DEATH 

LET  ALL  GOOD  MEN  HER  MURD'RER  EXE- 
CRATE 

AND  SHED  A  TEAK  OF  PITY  FOR  HER  FATE. 


Meanwhile  the  King  in  solemn  Council  sate, 
Discussing  with  the  Wisest  in  his  state, 
How  they  the  Culprit  might  to  Justice  draw 
And  vindicate  the  majesty  of  Law. 
At  length  it  was  resolved,  by  one  and  all, 
To  send  a  summons  to  the  Criminal, 
Commanding  him,  all  bus'ness  laid  aside, 
He  should  to  Court  repair,  and  there  his  doom 

abide. 
The  summons  writ  and  sealed,  Bruin,  the 

Bear, 

Selected  they  to  be  the  Messenger ; 
And  him  the  King  addressed ;  "Sir  Bruin,  see 
That  you  perform  your  mission  faithfully. 
We  know  you  stout   of  limb   and    brave   of 

heart  ; 

Yet  would  We  counsel  caution  on  your  part ; 
Courage  is  oft  but  a  poor  match  for  art. 


Reynard,  remember,  speaks  but  to  deceive ; 

Neither  his  lies  nor  flattery  believe, 

Or  you  may  soon  have    too   good  cause  to 

grieve." 
"Fear    not,  my  Liege,"  the    trusty   Bear 

replied, 

Confident  in  his  strength  and  shaggy  hide 
"  Reynard,  however  tricksy  he  may  be, 
Will  not,  I  wager,  try  his  tricks  on  me. 
Me  or  my  mission  an  he  treat  with  scorn, 
I'll  make  him  rue  the  hour  that  he  was  born." 


CHAPTER  THE  SECOND. 
THE  FIRST  SUMMONS. 

Now  with  his  ragged  staff  the  Bear  set  forth, 
And  with  his  best  grease  larded  the  lean  earth. 
Through  forests  vast  he  went  and  deserts  drear ; 
But  his  bold  heart  knew  neither  doubt  nor 

fear. 

At  length  the  mountain  region  he  approached, 
Wherein  Sir  Reynard  generally  poached  : 
But  Bruin  would  not  tarry  or  delay ; 
Tow'rds  Malepartus  held  he  on  his  way, 
The  fav'rite  fastness  of  the  Robber  Chief; 
And  there  he  hoped  to  catch  the  wily  Thief: 
Thither  for  safety  usually  he  fled, 
When  threat'ning  danger  overhung  his  head. 


At  length  Sir  Bruin  stood  before  the  gate, 
And,  finding   it  was   shut,  he    scratched    his 

pate, 
Not  knowing  whether  best  to  go  or  wait. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


9 


Then  he  began  to  cry,  with  mighty  din  ; 

"  What,  cousin  Reynard,  ho !  are  you  within  ? 

Bruin  the  Bear  it  is  who  calls.     I  bring 

A  missive  from  our  Sovereign  Lord,  the  King : 

He  orders  you,  all  bus'ness  laid  aside, 

Repair  to  Court  and  there  your  doom  abide ; 

That  equal  right  and  justice  may  be  done, 

And  satisfaction  given  to  every  one. 

I  am  to  fetch  you :  if  you  hesitate, 

The  gallows  or  the  wheel  will  be  your  fate. 

Better  to  come  at  once,  fair  cousin,  sith 

The  king,  you  know,  will  not  be  trifled  with." 

Reynard,  from  the  beginning  to  the  end, 
Had  heard  this  summons ;  and  did  now  per- 
pend 

In  what  way  he  might  punish  his  fat  Friend. 
Into  a  private  corner  he  had  fled, 
Where  he  could  hear  securely  all  was  said. 
His  keep  was  built  with  many  a  secret  door, 
With  traps  above  and  pits  beneath  the  floor ; 
With  labyrinthine  passages  and  channels, 
With  secret  chambers  and  with  sliding  panels. 
There  he  would  often  hide,  the  cunning  Hound, 
When  he  was  wanted,  and  would  not  be  found. 
Amid  this  intricate  obscurity, 
Where  none  could  safely  find  his  path  but  he, 
Full  many  a  simple  Beast  has  lost  his  way, 
And  to  the  wily  Robber  fall'u  a  prey. 

Reynard  suspected  there  might  be  some  cheat ; 
For  the  Deceitful  always  fear  deceit. 
Was  Bruin  quite  alone  ?    He  felt  afraid, 
There  might  be  others  hid  in  ambuscade. 
But  soon  as  he  was  fully  satisfied 
His  fears  were  vain,  forth  from  the  door  he 

hied; 
And,  "  Welcome,  dearest  Uncle,  here ; "  quoth 

he, 

With  studied  look  of  deep  humility, 
And  the  most  Jesuitical  of  whispers, 
"  I  heard  you  call ;  but  I  was  reading  Vespers. 
I  am  quite  grieved  you  should  have  had  to  wait, 
In  this  cold  wind  too,  standing  at  my  gate. 
How  glad  I  am  you're  come ;  for  I  feel  sure 
With  your  kind  aid,  my  cause  will  be  secure ; 
However  that  may  be,  at  least,  I  know 
More  welcome  nobody  could  be  than  you. 
But  truly  't  was  a  pity  I  must  say 
T'  have  sent  you  such  a  long  and  tedious  way. 
Good  Heav'ns !  how  hot  you  are  !  you're  tired 

to  death ! 
How  wet  your  hair  is,  and  how  scant  your 

breath ! 

Although  no  slight  our  good  king  could  have 
meant, 


Some  other  Messenger  he  might  have  sent 
Than  Bruin,  the  chief  glory  of  his  Court, 
His  kingdom's  main  adornment  and  support. 
Though  I  should  be  the  last  to  blame  his 

choice, 

Who  have  in  sooth  no  cause  but  to  rejoice. 
How  I  am  slandered  well  aware  am  I, 
But  on  your  love  of  Justice  I  rely, 
That  you  will  speak  of  things  just  as  you  find 

them; 

As  to  my  Enemies  I  need  not  mind  them  : 
Their  malice  vainly  shall  my  cause  assail ; 
For  Truth,  we  know,  is  great,  and  must  prevail. 
"  To  Court  to-morrow  we  will  take  our  way  : 
I  should  myself  prefer  to  start  to-day, 
Not  having  cause — why  should  I  have? — to 

hide; 

But  I  am  rather  bad  in  my  inside. 
By  what  I've  eaten  I  am  quite  upset, 
And  nowise  fitted  for  a  journey  yet." 
"  What  was  it  ?  "  asked  Sir  Bruin,  quite  pre- 

par'd, 

For  Reynard  had  not  thrown  him  off  his  guard. 
"Ah!"   quoth  the  Fox,  "what  boots  it  to 

explain  ? 

E'en  your  kind  pity  could  not  ease  my  pain. 
Since  flesh  I  have  abjured,  for  my  soul's  weal, 
I'm  often  sadly  put  to  't  for  a  meal. 
I  bear  my  wretched  life  as  best  I  can ; 
A  Hermit  fares  not  like  an  Alderman. 
But  yesterday,  as  other  viands  failed, 
I  ate  some  honey, — see  how  I  am  swelled ! 
Of  that  there's  always  to  be  had  enough  : 
Would  I  had  never  touched  the  cursed  stuff. 
I  ate  it  out  of  sheer  necessity ; 
Physic  is  not  so  nauseous  near  to  me. " 
"  Honey ! "  exclaimed  the  Bear ;  "  did  you  say 

honey  ? 

Would  I  could  any  get  for  love  or  money ! 
How  can  you  speak  so  ill  of  what's  so  good  ? 
Honey  has  ever  been  my  fav'rite  food ; 
It  is  so  wholesome,  and  so  sweet  and  luscious ; 
I  can't  conceive  how  you  can  call  it  nauseous. 
Do  get  me  some  on't ;  and  you  may  depend 
You'll    make    me    evermore    your    steadfast 

friend. " 
"  You're  surely  joking,  Uncle !  "    Reynard 

cried ; 

"  No,  on  my  sacred  word !  "  the  Bear  replied ; 
•'  I'd  not,  though  jokes  as  blackberries  were 

rife, 

Joke  upon  such  a  subject  for  my  life." 
"  Well !  you  surprise  me ;  "  said  the  knavish 

Beast; 


10 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


"  There's  no  accounting  certainly  for  taste ; 
And  one  Man's  meat  is  oft  Another's  poison. 
I'll  wager  that  you  never  set  your  eyes  on 
Such  store  of  honey  as  you  soon  shall  spy 
At  Gaffer  Joiner's,  who  lives  here  hard  by.  " 

In  fancy  o'er  the  treat  did  Bruin  gloat; 
While  his  mouth  fairly  watered  at  the  thought. 
"  Oh,  take  me,  take  me  there,  dear  Coz," 

quoth  he, 

"  And  I  will  ne'er  forget  your  courtesy. 
Oh,  let  me  have  a  taste,  if  not  my  fill : 
Do,  Cousin. "    Reynard  grinned,  and  said,  "  I 

will. 

Honey  you  shall  not  long  time  be  without : 
'Tis  true  just  now  I'm  rather  sore  of  foot; 
But  what  of  that  ?  the  love  I  bear  to  you 
Shall  make  the  road  seem  short  and  easy  too. 
Not  one  of  all  my  kith  or  kin  is  there 
Whom  I  so  honour  as  th'  illustrious  Bear. 
Come  then !  and  in  return  I  know  you'll  say 
A  good  word  for  me  on  the  Council-day. 
You  shall  have  honey  to  your  heart's  content, 
And  wax  too,  if  your  fancy's  that  way  bent." 
Whacks   of   a  different   sort  the  sly  Rogue 

meant. 

Off  starts  the  wily  Fox,  in  merry  trim, 
And  Bruin  blindly  follows  after  him. 
"  If  you  have  luck,"  thought  Reynard,  with  a 

titter, 

"  I  guess  you'll  find  our  honey  rather  bitter." 
When    they  at   length    reached    Goodman 

Joiner's  yard, 

The  joy  that  Bruin  felt  he  might  have  spar'd. 
But  Hope,  it  seems,  by  some  eternal  rule, 
Beguiles  the  Wisest  as  the  merest  Fool. 
'Twas  ev'ning  now,  and  Reynard  knew,  he 

said, 

The  Goodman  would  be  safe  and  sound  in  bed. 
A  good  and  skilful  Carpenter  was  he : 
Within  his  yard  there  lay  an  old  oak  tree, 
Whose  gnarled  and  knotted  trunk  he  had  to 

split ; 

A  stout  wedge  had  he  driven  into  it : 
The  cleft  gaped  open  a  good  three  foot  wide  ; 
Towards  this  spot  the  crafty  Reynard  hied ; 
"  Uncle,"  quoth  he,  "  your  steps  this  way  direct, 
You'll  find  more  honey  here  than  you  suspect. 
In  at  this  fissure  boldly  thrust  your  pate ; 
But  I  beseech  you  to  be  moderate : 
Remember,  sweetest  things  the  soonest  cloy, 
And  Temperance  enhances  every  joy." 
"  What!  "  said  the  Bear,  a  shock'd  look  as 
he  put  on 


Of  self-restraint ;  "d'ye  take  me  for  a  Glutton ? 
With  thanks  I  use  the  gifts  of  Providence, 
But  to  abuse  them  count  a  grave  offence." 
And  so  Sir  Bruin  let  himself  be  fooled  : 
As  Strength  will  be  whene'er  by  Craft  'tis  ruled. 
Into  the  cleft  he  thrust  his  greedy  maw 
Up  to  the  ears,  and  either  foremost  paw. 
Reynard  drew  near ;  and  tugging  might  and 

main 
Pull'd  forth  the  wedge ;  and  the  trunk  closed 

again. 

By  head  and  foot  was  Bruin  firmly  caught : 
Nor  threats  nor  flatt'ry  could  avail  him  aught. 
He  howled,  he  raved,  he  struggled  and  he  tore, 
Till  the  whole  place  re-echoed  with  his  roar ; 


And  Goodman  Joiner,  wakened  by  the  rout, 
Jumped  up  much  wond'ring  what  'twas  all 

about  ; 

And  seized  his  axe,  that  he  might  be  prepar'd, 
And  danger,  if  it  came,  might  find  him  on  his 

guard. 
Still  howled  the  Bear  and  struggled  to  get 

free 

From  the  accursed  grip  of  that  cleft  tree. 
He  strove  and  strained  ;  but  strained  and  strove 

in  vain, 

His  mightiest  efforts  but  increased  his  pain  : 
He  thought  he  never  should  get  loose  again. 
And  Reynard  thought  the  same,  for  his  own 

part; 

And  wished  it  too,  devoutly  from  his  heart. 
And  as  the  Joiner  coming  he  espied, 
Armed  with  his  axe,  the  jesting  Rufiian  cried  : 
"  Uncle,  what  cheer  ?    Is  th'  honey  to  your 

taste? 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


11 


Don't  eat  too  quick,  there's  no  such  need  of 

haste. 

The  Joiner's  coming ;  and  I  make  no  question, 

He  brings  you  your  dessert,  to  help  digestion." 

Then  deeming  'twas  not  longer  safe  to  stay, 

To  Malepartus  back  he  took  his  way. 

The  Joiner,  when   he  came  and  saw  the 

Bear; 

Off  to  the  ale-house  did  with  speed  repair, 
Where  oft  the  Villagers  would  sit  and  swill ; 
And  a  good  many  sat  carousing  still. 
"  Neighbours,"  quoth  he,  "  be  quick  !  In  my 

court-yard 
A  Bear  is  trapped ;  come,  and  come  well  pre- 

par'd : 

I  vow,  'tis  true."  Up  started  every  Man, 
And  pell-mell,  helter-skelter  off  they  ran ; 
Seizing  whatever  handiest  they  could  take, 
A  pitch-fork  One,  Another  grasps  a  rake, 
A  Third  a  flail ;  and  arm'd  was  ev'ry  one 
With  some  chance  weapon,  stick  or  stake  or 

stone. 
The    Priest  and  Sacristan    both   joined    the 

throng, 

A  mattock  this,  the  other  bore  a  prong. 
The    Parson's    Maid  came  too ;    Judith   her 

name, 

And  fair  was  she  of  face  and  fair  of  fame ; 
(His  Rev'rence  could  not  live  without  her  aid; 
She  cooked  his  victuals,  and  she  warmed  his 

bed.) 

She  brought  the  distaff  she  had  used  all  day, 
With  which  she  hoped  the  luckless  Bear  to 

pay. 
Bruin  with  terror  heard   th'  approaching 

roar, 

And  with  fresh  desperation  tugged  and  tore : 
His  head  he  thus  got  free  from  out  the  cleft ; 
But  hide  and  hair,  alack  !  behind  he  left ; 
While  from  the  hideous  wound  the  crimson 

blood 

Adown  his  breast  in  copious  currents  flow'd. 
Was  never  seen  so  pitiable  a  Beast ! 
It  holp  him  nought  his  head  to  have  releas'd  ; 
His  feet  still  being  fastened  in  the  tree, 
These  with  one  more  huge  effort  he  set  free. 
But  than  his  head  no  better  fared  his  paws ; 
For  he  rent  off  alike  the  skin  and  claws. 
This  was  in  sooth  a  different  sort  of  treat 
From  what  he  had  expected  there  to  meet  ; 
He  wished  to  Heav'n  he  ne'er  had  ventured 

there : 
It  was  a  most  unfortunate  affair! 


Bleeding    upon  the    ground  he  could  but 

sprawl, 
For  he  could  neither  stand,  nor  walk,  nor 

crawl. 

The  Joiner  now  came  up  with  all  his  Crew  : 
To  the  attack  with  eager  souls  they  flew  : 
With  thwacks  and  thumps  belabouring  the 

poor  Wight ; 

They  hoped  to  slay  him  on  the  spot  outright. 
The  Priest  kept  poking  at  him  with  his  prong, 
From  afar  off — the  handle  being  long. 
Bruin  in  anguish  rolled  and  writhed  about ; 
Each   bowl  of  his  called  forth  an  answering 

shout. 

On  every  side  his  furious  Foemen  swarmed, 
With  spits  and  spades,  with  hoes  and  hatchets 

armed  ; 

Weapons  all  wielded  too  by  nerves  of  pith : 
His    large    sledge-hammer  bore   the   sinewy 

Smith. 
They  struck,  they  yelled,  they  pelted  and  they 

hallooed ; 

While  in  a  pool  of  filth  poor  Bruin  wallowed. 
To  name  these  Heroes  were    too  long  by 

half: 
There  was  the  long-nosed    Jem,  the  bandy 

Ralph ; 
These  were  the  worst;   but  crooked -fingered 

Jack, 
With  his  flail  fetched  him  many  a  grievous 

thwack : 

His  Step-brother,  hight  Cuckelson  the  Fat, 
Stood,  but  aloof,  with  an  enormous  bat : 
Dame  Judith  was  not  idle  with  her  distaff : 
While  Gaffer  Grumble  stirr'd  him  up  with  his 

staff; 

And  Men  and  Women  many  more  were  there, 
All   vowing   vengeance  'gainst  th'  unhappy 

Bear. 

The  foremost — in  the  noise — was  Cuckelson  : 
He  boasted  that  he  was  Dame  Gertrude's  Son : 
And  all  the  World  believed  that  this  was  true ; 
But  who  his  Father,  no  one  ever  knew. 
Fame  indeed  said — but  Fame  is  such  a  Liar, 
That  Brother  Joseph,  the  Franciscan  Friar, 
Might,  if  he  chose,  claim  the  paternity ; 
Or  share  the  same  with  Others,  it  might  be. 
Now  stones  and  brick-bats  from  all  sides 

were  shower'd ; 

And  Bruin,  tho'  he  scorned  to  die  a  Coward, 
Was  by  opposing  numbers  all  butoverpower'd. 
The  Joiner's  Brother  then,  whose  name  was 

Scrub, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Whirling  around  his  head  a  massive  club, 
Rushed  in  the  midst,  with  execrations  horrid, 
And  dealt  the  Bear  a  blow  plump  on  the  fore- 
head. 
That  blow  was  struck  with  such  tremendous 

might, 

Bruin  lost  both  his  hearing  and  his  sight. 
One  desp'rate  plunge  he  made  though,  and  as 

luck 

Would  have  it,  'mong  the  Women  ran  a-muck. 
Ye  Saints!  how  they  did  scream  and  shriek 

and  squall ! 

Over  each  other  how  they  tumbled  all ! 
And  some  fell  in  the  stream  that  ran  hard  by, 
And  it  was  deep  just  there,  unluckily. 
The  pastor  cried  aloud — "Look,  neighbours, 

look! 

See,  yonder — in  the  water    Jude,  my  Cook  ; 
With  all  her  wool — she's  left  her  distaff  here, 
Help !   save  her !  you  shall  have  a  cask  of 

beer ; 

As  well  as  absolution  for  past  crimes, 
And  full  indulgence  for  all  future  times.'' 
Fired  with  the  promised  boon,  they  left  the 

Bear, 
Who  lay  half  dead,  all  stunned  and  stupid 

there ; 
Plunged  to  the  Women's  rescue;    fished  out 

five ; 
All  that  had  fallen  in,  and  all  alive. 

The  miserable  Bear,  while  thus  his  Foes 
Were  busied,  finding  respite  from  their  blows ; 
Managed  to  scramble  to  the  river's  brim  ; 
And  in  he  rolled ;  but  not  with  hopes  to  swim; 
For  life  a  very  burden  was  to  him  : 
Those  shameful  blows  no  more  he  could  abide ; 
They  pierced  his  soul  more  than  they  pained 

his  hide. 

He  wished  to  end  his  days  in  that  deep  water, 
Nor  feared  t'  incur  the  perils  of  self-slaughter. 
But  no !  against  his  will  he  floated  down  ; 
It  seemed  in  truth  he  was  not  born  to  drown. 
Now  when  the  Bear's  escape  the  Men  de- 
scried, 

"  Oh  shame !  insufferable  shame !  "  they  cried  ; 
Then  in  a  rage  began  to  rate  the  Women ; 
"  See  where  the  Bear  away  from  us  is  swim- 
ming; 

Had  you  but  stayed  at  home,  your  proper  place, 
We    should  not  have   encountered  this  dis- 
grace." 

Then  to  the  cleft  tree  turning,  they  found 
there 


The  bleeding  strips  of  Bruin's  hide  and  hair  ; 
At  this  into  loud  laughter  they  broke  out, 
And  after  him  thus  sent  a  jeering  shout ; 
"You'll  sure   come  back   again,   old   Devil- 
spawn, 
As  you  have  left  your  wig  and  gloves  in  pawn." 

Thus  insult  added  they  to  injury, 
And  Bruin  heard  them  and  sore  hurt  was  he ; 
He  cursed  them  all,  and  his  own  wretched 

fate  ; 
He    cursed  the    Honey  that    had    been    his 

bait; 

He  cursed  the  Fox  who  led  him  in  the  Snare ; 

He  even  cursed  the  King  who  sent  him  there. 

Such  were  his  pray'rs  as  quick  he  swept 

along, 
For  the  stream  bore  him  onward,  swift  and 

strong ; 

So,  without  effort,  in  a  little  while, 
He  floated  down  the  river  near  a  mile. 
Then  with  a  heavy  heart  he  crawled  on  shore, 
For  he  was  wet  and  weary,  sick  and  sore. 
The  Sun  throughout  his  course  would  never 

see 

A  Beast  in  such  a  shocking  plight  as  he. 
Hard  and  with  pain  he  fetched  his  lab'ring 

breath, 
And  every  moment    looked  and  wished   for 

death. 
His  head  swam  round  with  a  strange  sort  of 

dizziness, 

As  he  thought  o'er  the  whole  perplexing  busi- 
ness. 
"  Oh,   Reynard !  "    he  gasped  out,  "  Thou 

Traitor  vile ! 
Oh,  Scoundrel,  Thief !  "  and  more  in  the  same 

style. 
He    thought   upon    the  tree;  the  jibes  and 

knocks 
He  had  endured ;  and  once  more  cursed  the 

Fox. 
Reynard,  well  pleased  t'  have  cozened  Uncle 

Bruin, 

And  lured  him,  as  he  thought,  to  his  sure  ruin, 
Had  started  off  upon  a  Chicken-chase  ; 
He  knew,  close  by,  a  tried  and  fav'rite  place. 
A  fine  fat  Pullet  soon  became  his  prey, 
Which  in  his  felon  clutch  he  bore  away : 
This  he  devoured,  bones  and  all,  right  speedily; 
And,  if  the  truth  bespoken,  somewhat  greedily. 
Prepared  for  any  chance  that  might  betide, 
He  slowly  sauntered  by  the  river  side ; 
Stopping  from  time  to  time  to  take  a  draught ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


13 


And  thought  aloud,  while  in    his  sleeve  he 

laugh'd  : 

"  How  pleased  I  am  t'  have  trick 'd  that 
stupid  Bear! 

Honey  he  longed  for,  and  has  had  his  share  ; 

I'm  not  to  blame ;  I  warned  him  of  the  wax  ; 

By  this  he  knows  how  tastes  a  Joiner's  axe. 

I'm  glad  to  have  shown  him  this  good  turn,  as 
he 

Has  ever  been  so  good  and  kind  to  me. 

Poor  Uncle !   well ;  by  chance  should  he  be 
dead, 

I'll  for  his  soul  have  scores  of  masses  said. 

It  is  the  least  methinks  that  I  can  do." 

While  musing  thus  he  chanced  to  look  below; 

And  saw  Sir  Bruin  on  the  other  shore 

Writhing  and  welt'ring  in  a  pool  of  gore. 

Reynard  could  scarce,  so  great  was  his  sur- 
prise, 

Believe  the  evidence  of  his  own  eyes. 
"  Bruin  alive !  and  in  this  place  !  "  quoth  he. 

"  Why,  Joiner,  what  a  Booby  you  must  be  ! 

A  Bear's  hams  make  the  most  delicious  food ! 

You  could  not  surely  know  they  were  so  good. 

A  dish,  by  which  a  Duke  would  set  vast  store, 

To  be  so  slighted  by  a  stupid  Boor ! 

My  Friend  has  left  though,  I  am  glad  to  see, 

A  pledge  for  your  kind  hospitality." 

Thus  spake  the  Fox,  as  he  beheld  the  Bear, 

Lying  all  weary-worn  and  bleeding  there. 

Then  he  called  out — "  Why,  Uncle,  is   that 
you  ? 

What  upon  earth  can  you  have  here  to  do  ? 

You've  something  at  the  Joiner's  left,  I  fear, 

Shall  I  run  back  and  let  him  know  you're 
here? 

Prithee,  is  stolen  Honey  very  sweet? 

Or  did  you  honestly  pay  for  your  treat  ? 

How  red  your  face  is  !  you  have  ate  too  quick  ; 

I  trust  you  have  not  gorged  till  you  are  sick. 

Really  you  should  have  been  more  moderate  ; 

I  could  have  got  you  lots  at  the  same  rate. 

Nay,  I  declare — I  trust  there  is  no  harm  in't — 

You  seem  t'  have  on  some  sort  of  Priestly  gar- 
ment; 

With  scarlet  gloves,  and  collar  too,  and  hat ; 

Rather  a  dangerous  prank  to  play  is  that. 

Yet,  now  I  look  more  close,  your  ears  are  gone, 
sure; 

Have  you  of  late  submitted  to  the  tonsure, 

And  did  the  stupid  Barber  cut  them  off?  " 

Thus  did  the  cruel-hearted  Reynard  scoff; 

While  Bruin,  all  unable  to  reply, 


Could  only  moan  with  grief  and  agony. 

No  longer  could  he  these  sharp  jibes  sustain, 

So  crept  into  the  water  back  again  : 

He  floated  downward  with   the  stream  once 

more, 

And  again  landed  on  the  shelving  shore. 
There  in  a  miserable  state  he  lay, 
And  piteously  unto  himself  did  say ; 
"  That  Some  one  would  but  slay  me  here  out- 
right! 
Ne'er  shall  I   reach   the   Court  in   this  sad 

plight ; 

But  on  this  spot  in  shame  and  grief  shall  die, 
A  mortal  proof  of  Reynard's  treachery. 
Oh  !  I  will  have  a  dire  revenge,  I  swear, 
If  it  please  Providence  my  life  to  spare." 

With  firm  resolve  his  pain  to  overcome, 
At  length  he  started  on  his  journey  home  ; 
And  after  four  long  toilsome  days  were  past, 
Crippled  and  maimed,  he  reached  the  Court  at 

last. 
When    the   King  saw   the    Bear  so  sorely 

maimed, 

"  Great  Heaven !  Is  this  Sir  Bruin  ?  "    he  ex- 
claimed ; 
"  My  trusty  Messenger  in  such  a  state !  " 

"  Ah,  Sire !  "  said   Bruin,  "  and    is   this  the 

fate 

That  should  a  King's  Ambassador  befall  ? 
But  spare  my  breath — the   Fox  has  done  it 

all." 
Then  spake  the   King  in  wrath  ;  "  Now  by 

the  Mass, 

This  outrage  vile  shall  not  unpunished  pass. 
What!  shall  the  noblest  Baron  of  our  court 
Afford  this  Traitor  means  of  savage  sport  ? 
No ;  by  my  sceptre  and  my  crown  I  swear, 
If  crown  or  sceptre  I  am  fit  to  bear, 
Or  of  stern  Justice  longer  wield  the  sword, 
Right  shall  be  done!    Pledged  is  my    royal 

word." 
Summoned  in    haste  the  Council  promptly 

sate, 

On  this  fresh  outrage  to  deliberate. 
Subject  to  the  King's  will,  they  all  agree 
That  Reynard  once  again  must  summoned  be ; 
At  Court  he  should  appear;  and,  if  he  might, 
Answer  th'  impeachment  and  defend  his  right. 
Tybalt,   the   Cat,   should    now  the  summons 

carry, 

As  he  was  well  known  to  be  wise  and  wary. 
So  counselled  One  and  All :  the   King  con- 

curr'd ; 


14 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  thus  to  Tybalt  spoke  his  Sov'reign  Lord  ; 
"  Now  mark  your  mission  and  the  sequence 

well; 

If  a  third  summons  Reynard  should  compel, 
He  and  his  whole  Race,  I  have  sworn  an  oath, 
Shall  feel  the  deadly  power  of  my  wrath. 
So  let  him  come  in  time,  if  he  be  wise  ; 
Nor  this  last  warning  recklessly  despise." 

Tybalt  replied  ;  "  My  Liege,  I  fear  that  I 
Shall  scarcely  prosper  in  this  embassy  ; 
Not  that  indeed  I  ought  to  say,  '  I  fear  ; ' 
To  do  Your  will  all  danger  would  I  dare : 
I  merely  hint,  that  for  this  task,  of  All 
I  am  least  fit,  being  so  very  small. 
If  the  stout,  stalwart  Bear  was  so  abused, 
What  can  poor  I  do  ?  Hold  me,  pray,  excused." 
"  Nay,"  said  the  King,  "  Wisdom  and  Wit, 

't  is  known, 

Are  not  the  attributes  of  Strength  alone. 
How  often  do  we  see  a  little  Man 
Succeed  more  neatly  than  a  great  one  can. 
Though  not  a  Giant,  you  are  learned  and  wise, 
And  Wisdom  compensates  for  want  of  Size." 
The  Cat  was  flattered  and    he  bowed  his 

head  ; 
"  Your  will  be  done,  my  Sov'reign  Liege,"  he 

said; 

"  If  on  my  right  I  only  see  a  sign, 
A  prosp'rous  journey  will,  I  know,  be  mine." 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRD. 

THE  SECOND  SUMMONS. 

•••'     4 

NOT  far  did  Tybalt  on  his  journey  get, 
Before  a  Magpie  on  the  wing  he  met: 
"  Hail,  noble  bird  ;"  quoth  he,  "  vouchsafe  to 

'light, 

As  a  propitious  omen,  on  my  right." 
The  Magpie  screeched  ;  his  onward  way  he 

cleft; 
Then  stooped  his  wing  and  perched  on  Tybalt's 

left. 

The  Cat  much  serious  ill  from  this  forebode, 
But  on  it  put  the  best  face  that  he  could. 
To  Malepartus  he  proceeded  straight, 
And  found  Sir  Reynard  sitting  at  his  gate. 

"  Good  Even,  gentle  Cousin,"  Tybalt  said, 
"  May  bounteous  Heav'n  show'r  blessings  on 

your  head. 
I  bring  sad  news ;  the  King  has  sent  to  say, 


If  you  come  not  to  Court  without  delay, 
Not  only  your  own  life  will  forfeit  be, 
His  wrath  will  fall  on  your  whole  Family." 
"  Welcome,  dear  Nephew,"  quoth  the  Fox 

"  not  less 
I  wish  you  ev'ry  kind  of  happiness." 


Though  thus  he  spoke,  it  went  against  his 

will; 

For  in  his  heart  he  wished  him  ev'ry  ill ; 
And  thought 't  would  be  the  very  best  of  sport 
To  send  him  also  back  disgraced  to  Court. 

"  Nephew,"  said  he ;  for  he  still  called  him 

Nephew ; 

"  Step  in  and  see  what  supper  we  can  give  you  ; 
You  must  be  tired ;  and  all  physicians  tell  ye, 
You  can't  sleep  soundly  on  an  empty  belly. 
I  am  your  Host  for  once ;  you  stay  to-night ; 
And  we'll  to  Court  start  with  to-morrow's  light . 
For  you  of  all  my  Kindred  love  I  best, 
To  you  confide  myself  the  readiest. 
That  brutal  Bear  was  here  the  other  day, 
Bouncing  and  swaggering  in  such  a  way, 
That  not  for  all  the  world  contains  would  I 
Myself  have  trusted  in  his  company. 
But  having  you  my  Comrade,  travelling 
Will  be  a  very  different  sort  of  thing. 
So  you  will  share  our  potluck,  then  to  bed, 
And  off  we  start  by  sunrise :  that's  agreed." 

"Nay,"   replied  Tybalt,   "why  not  go  to- 
night ? 

The  roads  are  dry ;  the  moon  is  shining  bright." 
May  be,  the  omen  on  his  mem'ry  struck  ; 
May  be,  he  had  no  fancy  for  potluck. 

"  I  am  not  fond  of  trav'lling  after  nightfall ;" 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


15 


Replies  the  Fox;  "  some  People  are  so  spiteful ; 
Who,  though  by  day  they  civilly  would  greet 

you, 
Would  cut  your  throat,  if  they  by  night  should 

meet  you." 

"Well,  but,"  says  Tybalt,  in  a  careless  way, 
"  What  have  you  got  for  supper  if  I  stay  ?" 

Says  Reynard,  "  Well,  I  candidly  avow, 
Our  larder  is  but  poorly  stocked  just  now ; 
But  we've  some  honey -comb,  if  you  like  that." 
"  Like  such  infernal  rubbish !  "  quoth  the 

Cat, 

And  spat,  and  sware  a  loud  and  lusty  oath, 
As  he  was  wont  to  do  when  he  was  wroth ; 
"  If  you  indeed  had  got  a  Mouse  or  so, 
I  should    much  relish    them;   but   honey — 

pooh !  " 
What ! "  answers  Reynard,  "  are  you  fond 

of  Mice  ? 

I  think  I  can  procure  some  in  a  trice, 
If  you're  in  earnest ;  for  the  Priest,  my  Neigh- 
bor, 

Vows  that  to  keep  them  down  is  quite  a  labor ; 
In  his  tithe  barn  so  num'rously  they  swarm ; 
They  do  him,  he  declares,  no  end  of  harm." 
Thoughtlessly  said  the  Cat,   "  Do  me  the 

favor 

To  take  me  where  these  Mice  are ;  for  in  flavor 
All  other  game  they  beat  out  of  the  field ; 
Beside  the  sport  which  they  in  hunting  yield." 
"  Well,"  says  the  Fox, "  now  that  I  know 

your  taste, 

I'll  promise  you  shall  have  a  sumptuous  feast. 
We'll  start  at  once  and  not  a  moment  waste." 

Tybalt  had  faith  and  followed ;  quickly  they 
Reached  the  Priest's  tithe  barn,  built  with  walls 

of  clay. 

Only  the  day  before,  Reynard  a  hole 
Had  through  it  scratched,  and  a  fat  Pullet 

stole. 
Martin,  the  Priest's  young  Son — or  Nephew 

rather, 

For  he  was  ne'er  allowed  to  call  him  Father, — 
Had  found  the  theft  out,  and,  if  possible. 
Determined  to  find  out  the  Thief  as  well ; 
So,  craftily,  a  running  noose  he  tied, 
And  fixed  it  firmly  by  the  hole  inside ; 
Thus  hoped  he  to  avenge  the  stolen  Pullet, 
Should  the  Thief  chance  return,  upon  his  gullet. 

Reynard,  suspecting  something  of  the  sort, 
Said,    "  Nephew  dear,  I  wish    you    lots    of 

sport ; 
In  at  this  opening  you  can  safely  glide ; 


And  while  you're  mousing,  I'll  keep  watch 

outside. 

You'll  catch  them  by  the  dozen,  now  'tis  dark. 
How  merrily  they  chirrup ;  only  hark ! 
I  shall  be  waiting  here  till  you  come  back ; 
So  come  as  soon  as  you  have  had  your  whack. 
To-night,  whatever  happens,  we'll  not  part, 
As  we  so  early  in  the  morning  start." 

Tybalt  replies,  as  any  prudent  Beast  would, 
"  I've  no  great  faith,  I  own  it,  in  the  Priest- 
hood : 
Is't  quite  safe,  think  ye  ?  "  Reynard  answers, 

"  Well ; 

Perhaps  not :  't  is  impossible  to  tell ; 
We'd  best  return  at  once,  as  you're  so  nervous ; 
My  Wife,  I'll  answer  for  it,  will  not  starve  us ; 
She'll  toss  us  up  for  supper  something  nice, 
If  not  quite  so  much  to  your  taste  as  Mice." 
Stung  to  the  quick  by  Reynard's  taunting 

tongue, 

Into  the  op'ning  Tybalt  boldly  sprung, 
And  plunged  directly  in  the  ready  snare : 
Such  entertainment  and  such  dainty  fare 
Did  the  sly  Fox  for  all  his  Guests  prepare. 

When  the  Cat  felt  the  string  about  his  neck, 
He  gave  a  sideward  spring  and  got  a  check  ; 
This  made  him  throw  a  wondrous  somersaut, 
And,  the  noose  tight'ning,  he  was  fairly  caught. 
To  Reynard  then  he  loudly  called  for  aid, 
Who  list'ning  at  the  hole  in  mock'ry  said  ; 
"  Nephew,  how  are  the  Mice  ?  I  hope  they're 

fat; 

They  are  well  fed  enough,  I'm  sure  of  that : 
If  the  Priest  knew  his  vermin  were  your  veni- 
son, 
I'm  sure  he'd  bring  some  mustard,  with  his 

benison ; 

Or  send  his  Son  with  it, — that  best  of  Boys. 
But  Nephew,  prithee,  why  make  such  a  noise? 
Is  it  at  Court  the  fashion  so  to  sing 
At  meals  ?    It  seems  an  inconvenient  thing. 
Oh !  but  I  wish  the  gentle  Isegrim 
Were  in  your  place ;  how  I  would  badger  him  ! 
I  stake  my  tail  on't  I  would  make  him  pay 
For  all  the  ill  he's  wrought  me  many  a  day." 
Then  off  he  starts  t'  indulge  some  other  vice  ; 
No  matter  what ;  he  was  not  over  nice  : 
There  never  lived  a  Soul,  at  any  time, 
More  foully  tainted  with  all  kinds  of  crime ; 
Murder  and  theft,  adultery  and  perjury  ; 
'T  was  past  the  skill  of  spiritual  surgery  : 
He'd  broke  the  Ten  Commandments  o'er  and 


16 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  would  as  readily  have  broke  a  score. 
He  fancied  now  some  fresh  sport  might  be 

found 

In  a  short  visit  to  Dame  Gieremund ; 
This  he  proposed  with  a  two-fold  intent; 
To  learn  the  grounds  of  Isegrim's  complaint ; 
And  likewise  to  renew  an  ancient  sin, 
Which  he  especially  delighted  in. 
Is'grim,  he  knew,  was  absent  at  the  Court ; 
And  it  was  common  subject  of  report, 
The  She- Wolfs  passion  for  the  shameless  Fox 
Had  made  her  Husband's  hatred  orthodox. 
When  Reynard  to  the  Wolf's  retreat  had 

come, 

He  found  Dame  Gieremund  was  not  at  home : 
"  God   bless    you,   my    Stepchildren    dear  :  " 

quoth  he; 

And  to  the  young  ones  nods  good-humour'dly ; 
The  object  of  his  call  he  never  mentions ; 
But  hastes  away  after  his  own  inventions. 

Dame  Gieremund  returns  at  break  of  day  ; 
"Has  no  one   called  here,  while  I  've  been 

away  ?  " 

Asks  she ;  her  Children  answer,  "  Yes,  Mamma : 
We've  had  a  visit  from  our  Godpapa, 
Reynard ;  he  called  us  his  Stepchildren  though ; 
What  did  he  mean  by  that?"  "I'll  let  him 

know ; " 

Quoth  she,  and  angrily  she  hurried  off, 
Determined  to  avenge  this  cutting  scoff. 
She  knew  where  it  was  likely  she  should  meet 

him ; 
And  when  she  found  him  thus  began  to  greet 

him : 
"  Wretch,  Monster,  Brute !  "  her  rage  was 

quite  be  wild 'ring; 
"  How  dare  you  use  such  language  to  my 

Children  ? 

You,  of  all  Men,  t'  attack  my  character ! 
But  you  shall  dearly  pay  for  it,  I  swear." 
With  that  she  flew  at  him,  and — oh  dis- 
grace ! 
She  pulled  him  by  the  beard  and  scratched  his 

face. 

Then  first  he  felt  the  power  of  her  teeth, 
As,  grappled  by  the  throat;   he  gasped  for 

breath ; 
He  'scaped  her    clutches    though,   and    fled 

amain; 
She,  after  him  ;  and  mark,  what  happened 

then. 

It  chanced  a  ruined  abbey  stood  in  sight, 
And  thitherward  in  haste  both  bent  their  flight : 


A  fissure  was  there  in  the  crumbling  wall, 
Narrow  it  was  and  low  and  all  ways  small ; 
Through  this  the  subtle  Fox  contrived  to  pass, 
Though  hardly,  thin  and  lanky  as  he  was  ; 
My  Lady,  who  was  anything  but  slim, 
Rammed  in  her  head  and  tried  to  follow  him  ; 
But  fast  she  stuck — it  seemed  Fate  helped  the 

Blackguard, — 

And  she  could  neither  forward  get  nor  back- 
ward. 

Soon  as  the  Fox  saw  how  she  was  confin'd, 
Quick  he  whipped   round    and    fell  on  her 

behind ; 

And  not  without  full  many  a  bitter  scoff, 
For  all  she'd  done  he  amply  paid  her  off. 
Wearied  with  vengeance,  if  not  satiated, 
The  mischief-loving  Rogue  at  length  retreated. 
And  when  Dame  Gieremund  at  length  got  free, 
No  where  in  all  the  neighbourhood  was  he. 
Homeward,  with  tott'ring  steps,  she  then  re- 

turn'd ; 
While  with  revenge  and  shame  her  panting 

bosom  burn'd. 

Return  we  now  to  Tybalt ;  when  he  found 
How  in  that  slipknot  durance  he  was  bound, 
That  strength  and  struggling  nothing  might 

avail, 

After  the  mode  of  Cats,  he  'gan  to  wail. 
This  Martin  heard,  and  swift  sprang  out  of  bed : 
"The  Lord  be  praised;"  the  spiteful  Urchin 

said, 

"  The  Thief  is  caught  that  stole  our  Hen  away  ; 
And,  please  the  pigs,  he  shall  the  piper  pay ; 
And  that  right  dearly  too,  if  but  the  noose 

hold :" 

Then  struck  a  light  and  woke  up  all  the  House- 
hold ; 
Both  old  and  young,  and  great  and  small, 

Forthwith  assembled  there. 
The  Priest  himself,  in  morning  gown 
Thrown  loosely  round  him,  hurried  down, 

And  ran  to  join  the  throng : 
A  pitchfork's  double  steel  he  bore — 
His  faithful  cook-maid  went  before, 

For  she  was  bold  and  strong. — 
Stout  Martin  too,  a  cudgel  plies, 
And  knocks  out  one  of  Tybalt's  eyes ; 
Meanwhile  the  Parson,  with  his  fork, 
Thrusts,  hacks,  and  hews,  like  any  Turk, 

Poor  Tybalt  thought  to  die ! 
But  frantic  both  with  rage  and  pain, 
'Neath  the  Priest's  robe  he  dash'd  amain; 
And  there  revenged  in  cruel  way, 


J. WELLS.  ENGR. 


/ 'REYNARD  THE  FOX / 


/ 


**  * 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


17   t 


The  wounds  he'd  suffer'd  in  the  fray, 

And  his  extinguished  eye. 
The  Parson  roll'd  upon  the  ground, 
Lamenting  loud  his  frightful  wound, 
And  terror  seized  on  all  around, 

While  loud  the  cook-maid  vow'd ; — 
The  devil's  self  was  in  the  beast, 
And  she'd  give  all  that  she  possest, 
Nay  (if  she  had  it),  gold  in  store, 
The  Parson  had  his  own  once  more : — 

Meanwhile  the  others  crowd, 
To  bear  their  master  to  his  bed, 
Leaving  the  luckless  Cat  for  dead. 
But  Tybalt  woke  from  out  his  swoon 
And  found  his  enemies  were  gone  : 
He  set  to  work  with  might  and  main 
And  gnawed  the  hateful  cord  in  twain. 
He  hastened  on  his  road,  in  shame  and  sor- 
row, 

Towards  the  Court,  and  reached  it  on  the  mor- 
row. 

And  bitterly  did  he  himself  upbraid  : 
"  Me  !  to  be  so  completely  gulled !"  he  said  ; 
"  How  shall  I  ever  show  my  face  for  shame, 
All  balter'd  as  I  am,  half  blind,  and  lame? 
The  very  Sparrows  in  the  hedge  will  cry  out, 
'  There  you  go,  Master  Tybalt,  with  your  eye 

out!'" 
Who  shall  describe  the  wrath   King  Noble 

felt, 

When  at  his  feet  the  injured  Tybalt  knelt  ? 
He  swore  the  Traitor  vile  should  die  the  death: 
His  Council  in  all  haste  he  summoneth : 
The  Lords  Spiritual  and  Temporal 
Assembled  in  obedience  to  his  call : 
And  the  King  said — He  wished  it  to  be  known 
He  would  maintain  the  honor  of  His  Crown  ; 
That  is,  so  it  were  done  consistently 
With  the  true  principles  of  liberty  : 
But  something  must  at  once  be  done  to  stem 
Rebellion  ;  and  He  left  it  all  to  them. — 
Judgment,    't  was    moved,    against  the  Fox 

should  pass,  he 

Being  doomed  at  once  to  death  for  contumacy. 
The  Badger,  seeing  what  a  storm  was  brew- 
ing, 
How  all  conspired  to  work  his    Kinsman's 

ruin, 

Thus  spake :  "  My  Liege,  it  boots  not  to  deny  ; 
These  charges  press  on  Reynard  grievously 
But  Justice  follows  one  eternal  plan 
Remember,  Sire,  the  Fox  is  a  Free  Man ; 
The  Law  in  such  a  case  is  most  precise, 
VOL.  IV. — W.  H. 


Requiring   that    he    should     be    summoned 

thrice : 

If  then  he  fail,  there  is  nought  more  to  say; 
But  Law  and  Justice  both  must  have  their 
way." 

"  Ha !  "  said  the    Monarch  sternly,   "  say 

you  so  ? 

Where  shall  be  found  the  Messenger  to  go  ? 
Who  hath  an  eye  too  many  ?  who  will  stake 
His  life  and  limbs  for  this  bad  Traitor's  sake  ? 
'Gainst  Reynard's  cunning  who  will  wage  his 

wit? 
I  doubt  if  any  one  will  venture  it." 

The  Badger  answered,  "I  will  venture,  Sire ; 
And  undertake  the  task,  if  You  desire 
Happen  what  may.     Whether  't  is  better,  I 
A  summons  bear  straight  from  Your  Majesty  ; 
Or  of  my  own  accord  appear  to  go  : 
Whichever  You  think  best,  that  will  I  do." 

"  Go  then !  so  let  it  be ; "  the  Monarch  said  ; 
"  You  know  what  crimes  to  Reynard's  charge 

are  laid ; 

You  know  too  all  his  malice  ;  so  beware, 
Your  Predecessors'  fate  lest  you  may  share." 

Greybeard  replied,  "  I  trust  I  may  prevail ; 
But  shall  have  done  my  duty,  if  I  fail." 

Away  to  Malepartus  doth  he  hie ; 
Finds  Reynard  with  his  Wife  and  Family ; 
And  greets  him;  "  Save  you,  Uncle :    I  can't 


How  charmed  I  am  to  see  you  look  so  well. 
E'en  let  your  Enemies  say  what  they  can, 
You're  a  most  extraordinary  Man  : 
Prudent  and  wise  and  wary  as  you  are, 

2 


18 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Yet  the  King's  wrath  so  scornfully  to  dare. 
You'd  best  be  warned  in  time  :  on  every  side 
Are  ill  reports  against  you  multiplied. 
Take  my  advice ;  with  me  to  Court  away 
'T  will  help  you  nothing  longer  to  delay. 
You're  charged  with    almost  every    sort  of 

crime ; 
You're  summoned  now  to-day  for   the  third 

time, 

And  surely  sentenced  if  you  fail  t'  appear  : 
The  King  will  straightway  lead  his  Barons 

here; 

And  what  can  you  expect  will  then  befall? 
You  will  be  ta'en  and  hanged:  nor  is  that  all: 
Your  fortress  razed,  your  children  and  your 

Wife 

Cruelly  butchered,  or  enslaved  for  life. 
From  the  King's  wrath  you  cannot  hope  to 

flee; 

Better  then,  surely,  to  return  with  me. 
You    need    not  dread  to  stand   before    your 

Judges ; 

You're  never  at  a  loss  for  cunning  dodges : 
With  your  consummate  skill  and  artifice, 
You've  got  thro'  many  a  scrape,  and  will  thro' 

this." 
Thus  Greybeard  spake,  and  Reynard  thus 

replied ; 
"  Your  counsel,  Nephew,   shall  my  conduct 

guide : 

I  were  to  blame,  should  I  your  warning  slight ; 
I  will  to    Court;  and    Heav'n    defend    the 

right  ; 
The  King  besides,  I  trust,  some  grace  may 

show ; 

The  use  I've  been  to  him  he  well  doth  know ; 
That  for  no  other  cause  than  this  I'm  hated, 
And,  save  your  presence,  like  a  Badger  baited. 
The  Court  would  go  to  pieces  but  for  me ; 
I  don't  pretend  that  from  all  blame  I'm  free ; 
But  were  I  ten  times  deeper  in  disgrace, 
Could  I  but  see  my  Sov'reign  face  to  face, 
And  come  to  speech  with  him,  I  would  engage 
To  soothe  the  transports  of  his  Royal  rage. 
Many  't  is  true  may  at  his  council  sit ; 
But  many  heads  have  oft  but  scanty  wit : 
When  they  get  fixed  in  one  of  their  dead- 
locks, 

To  whom  send  they  for  aid,  but  to  the  Fox  ? 
No  matter  how  involved  the  case  may  be, 
They  find  it  smooth  and  easy,  thanks  to  me. 
For  this  I  meet  with  envy  ;  even  those 
I  most  befriend  turn  out  my  bitt'rest  foes ; 


But  moralists  agree  't  is  not  more  hateful, 
Than  it  is  natural,  to  be  ungrateful. 
'T  is  this  I  have  to  fear  ;  for  well  I  know 
My  death  they  have  intended  long  ago. 
Ten  of  the  mightiest  Barons  in  the  land 
My  utter  downfall  seek — a  pow'rful  band: 
Can  I  alone  such  odds  as  these  withstand  ? 
'T  was  only  this  kept  me  from  Court,  I  vow; 
But  I  agree  't  were  best  to  go  there  now. 
By  far  more  honorable  that  will  be, 
Than  bring  my  dearest  Wife  and  Family, 
By  tarrying  here,  into  disgrace  and  trouble  ; 
For   that    would    only    make    the  mischief 

double. 

And  of  the  King  I  stand  in  wholesome  awe, 
His  arm  is  mighty  and  his  will  is  law. 
Mine  Enemies  perchance  by  courtesy 
I  may  subdue ;  at  least  I  can  but  try." 
Then  to  his  Wife,  who  stood  with  weeping 

eyne, 

He  turned  and  said — "  My  gentle  Ermelyne, 
Be  mindful  of  our  Children  ;  yet  I  know 
You  need  no  hint  from  me  to  make  you  so. 
Our  youngest,  Greykin,  will  most  care  require  ; 
He'll  be  the  living  image  of  his  Sire, 
If  these  convulsions  do  not  stop  his  breathing, 
And    by    Heaven's  blessing  he  survive  his 

teething. 

And  here's  this  cunning  little  rascal,  Russel, 
He  thro'  the  world  will  manage  well  to  bus- 
tle; 

His  pluck  may  get  him  into  many  a  scrape, 
His  craft  will  ever  teach  him  how  to  'scape  ; 
I  love  him  well,  and  have  no  fear  for  him  ; 
He'll  be  a  match,  I  ween,  for  Isegrim 
And  all  his  Brood.      And  now,  farewell,  dear 

Chuck ; 

When  I  return,  as,  have  I  any  luck, 
I  soon  shall  do,  I'll  prove  me  sensible 
Of  all  your  kindness:    so  once  more,  fare- 
well." 

Then  from  his  home  with  Greybeard  he  de- 
parted ; 

And  sad  he  felt  in  spirit  and  down-hearted  ; 
And  sad  too,  grieving  for  her  mate  and  sick 

son, 

Was  the  leal  soul  of  Ermelyne,  the  Vixen. 
Reynard    nor    Greybeard    neither    silence 

brake 
For    near    an    hour ;  then    thus    the  former 

spake : 

"  Ah,  Nephew,  heavy  is  my  soul  to-night; 
For,  truth  to  speak,  I'm  in  a  mortal  fright ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


1!) 


My  frame  with  strange  forebodings  ahuddereth; 

I  feel  assured  I  go  to  certain  death  ; 

My  conscience  sinks  'neath  mine  enormities ; 

You  little  think  how  ill  I  am  at  ease. 

Will  you,  dear  Nephew,  my  confession  hear  ? 

There  is,  alas  !  no  reverend  Pastor  near  : 

Could  I  but  of  this  load  my  bosom  free, 

I  then  should  face  the  King  more  cheerfully." 

"  Confession  certes  benefits  the  soul," 
Quoth  Greybeard,  "  but  you  must  confess  the 

whole ; 

All  treasons,  felonies  and  misdemeanors, 
However  great — and    great,  no    doubt,  have 

been  yours." 
"  Yea,"  answered  Reynard,  "  I  will  nought 

conceal ; 

List  then,  oh,  list,  while  I  my  crimes  reveal. 
Confiteor  tibi,  Pater — "  "  Nay,  no  Latin !  " 
Quoth  Greybeard :  "  't  is  a  tongue  I'm  nowise 

pat  in. 

It  would  not  much  avail  you  to  be  shriven, 
If  I  knew  not  the  sins  I  had  forgiven." 
"  So  be  it  then ; "    the  Fox  rejoined ;  "  I 

ween 

A  very  wicked  sinner  I  have  been  ; 
And  I  must  do  what  penance  you  enjoin 
To  save  this  miserable  soul  of  mine. 
The  Otter,  and  the  Dog,  and  many  more, 
With  many  a  trick  have  I  tormented  sore : 
Indeed  of  living  beasts  there  scarce  is  one 
To  whom    I've    not   some  turn  of  mischief 

done. 

Mine  Uncle  Bruin  I  beguiled  of  late ; 
With  honey  he  prepared  his  maw  to  sate ; 
I  sent  him  back  with  bloody  paws  and  pate  : 
And  Cousin  Tibby,  he  came  here  to  mouse ; 
I  cozen'd  him  into  a  running  noose, 
And  there,  I'm  told,  an  eye  he  chanced 

to  lose. 

But  I  must  say  the  fault  was  somewhat  theirs ; 
They  should  have  minded  more  the  King's 

affairs, 

With  justice  too  complains  Sir  Chanticleer; 
I  ate  his  chicks — and  very  good  they  were. 
Nay,  with  unfeigned  repentance  I  must  own 
I  have  not  spared  the  King  upon  the  throne ; 
And,  Heaven    forgive  me  for  it!    even  the 

Queen 

Has  not  been  safe  from  my  malicious  spleen. 
But  most  I've  outraged  Isegrim,  the  Wolf; 
'Twixt  him  and  me  yawns  an  abysmal  gulf. 
Him  I've  disgraced  in  every  way  I  could  ; 
And  if  I  might  have  done  so  more,  I  would. 


I've  even  called  him  Uncle,  as  a  jibe; 
For  I'm  no  kin  to  any  of  his  tribe. 

"  He  came  to  me  about  six  years  ago ; 
I  lived  then  in  the  cloister,  down  below ; 
He  sought  my  help  a  Monk  to  get  him  made : 
His  fancy  was  to  toll  the  bells,  he  said ; 
He  loved  the  sound  so  much :  so  with  a  loop, 
I  fastened  his  fore-feet  into  the  rope : 
He  was  delighted,  and  began  to  toll — 
'T  was  the  great  bell — with  all  his  heart  and 

soul; 

But  not  much  credit  did  his  efforts  win ; 
For  he  kicked  up  such  an  infernal  din, 
Out  rushed  the  People  when  the  noise  they 

heard, 
Thinking  some  dread  mishap  must  have  oc- 

curr'd. 
They  came  and  found  my  friend  the  Wolf; 

and  ere 

His  purpose  to  turn  Monk  he  could  declare, 
They  fell  to  work  and  so  belabored  him, 
'T  was  all  but  up  with  Master  Isegrim. 

"  The  Fool  was  still  unsatisfied ;  still  craved 
To  be  a  Monk  and  have  his  noddle  shaved; 
With  a  hot  iron  then  I  singed  his  poll, 
Till  the  swart  skin  all  shrivelled  on  his  skull. 
Ah  !  many  are  the  blows   and  thumps  and 

kicks 
That  he  has  been  regaled  with  through  my 

tricks. 

I  taught  him  the  best  manner  to  catch  Fish ; 
And  he  caught  just  as  many  as  I'd  wish. 
"  Once,    when   in  partnership  we  chanced 

t'  engage, 

We  groped  our  way  into  a  parsonage ; 
Well  stored  the  larder  was  of  the  good  Priest, 
For  he  was  rich  and  amply  benefic'd. 
Bacon  there  was  and  hams  more  than  enough, 
And  lots  of  pork  lay  salting  in  a  trough. 
Is'grim  contrived    to  scratch  the    stone  wall 

through, 

And  crept  in  at  the  hole  with  much  ado, 
Urged  on  by  me  and  his  own  appetite ; 
For  with  long  fasting  he  was  rav'nous  quite. 
1  did  not  follow,  as  I  had  some  doubt 
How,  if  I  once  got  in,  I  might  get  out. 
Isegrim  gorged  till  chuck-full  to  the  eyes, 
And  swell'd  to  nearly  twice  his  former  size ; 
So  that,  although  he  strove  with  might  and 

main, 

He  could  not  for  his  life  get  out  again. 
'Thou  lett'st  me  in,'  he  cried,  'oh,  faithless 

hole! 


20 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Empty,  and  will  not  let  me  out  when  full.' 

Away  I  hastened  ;  raised  a  loud  alarm, 

On  the  Wolfs  track  in  hopes  the  Boors  might 

swarm. 

Into  the  Parson's  dwelling  then  I  run ; 
And  find  him  to  his  dinner  sitting  down, — 
A  fine  fat  capon  just  brought  on  the  tray, — 
This  I  snapped  up,  and  with  it  stole  away. 
Up  rose  the  Priest  in  haste  and  overthrew 
The  table  with  the  food  and  liquors  too  ; 
On  every  side  the  glass  and  crockery  flew. 


'  Kill  him  ! '  call'd  out  th'  enraged  Ecclesiastic ; 
'  Oh !  that  the  bones  in  his  damn'd  gullet  may 

stick ! ' 

Then,  his  feet  catching  in  the  cloth,  he  stum- 
bled, 

And  all  among  the  mess  and  fragments  tumbled. 
But  loudly  he  continued  still  to  bawl : 
The  hubbub  brought  the  Household,  one  and 

all. 

Away  I  sped,  as  fast  as  I  could  go ; 
They  after  me,  with  whoop  and  tally-ho : 
The  Parson  shouting  loud  as  he  was  able, 
'The  Thief!    he's  stole  my  dinner  from  my 

table!' 

I  ne'er,  until  I  reached  the  pantry,  stopped ; 
But  there,  ah,  well-a-day !  the  fowl  I  dropped ; 
I  could  no  longer  toil  beneath  its  weight, 
But  lightened  of  my  load  escaped  by  flight. 
The  Parson,  stooping  to  pick  up  the  fowl, 
Spied  Master  Is 'grim  stuck  fast  in  the  hole  : 
'Halloo!'    he  cried,  '  halloo!    come  here,  my 

friends ! 

'  See  what  a  scapegoat  righteous  Heaven  sends ! 
'  Here's  a  Wolf  caught ;  if  he  should  get  away 
1  We  were  disgraced  for  ever  and  a  day. ' 


The  Wolf  no  doubt  wished  he'd  ne'er  seen  the 

larder ; 
Meanwhile  their  blows  rained  on  him,  harder 

and  harder; 
And  many  a  grievous  thump  and  kick  and 

thwack 

He  got  upon  his  shoulders,  sides  and  back  ; 
And  all  the  while,  as  if  the  Devil  stirr'd  them, 
They  yelled  and  screamed  and  swore— I  stood 

and  heard  them. 

At  length  it  seemed  all  up  with  Isegrim  ; 
He  swooned;  and  then  they  left  off  beating 

him. 

I'd  lay  a  bet  he  never  had  before 
His  hide  so  curried,  and  will  never  more. 
'T  would  make  an  altar-piece,  to  paint  the  way 
They  made  him  for  the  Parson's  victuals  pay. 
At  length  out  in  the  street  for  dead  they  threw 

him; 
And  over  shards  and  pebbles  rough  they  drew 

him: 

Then  flung  him,  as  no  signs  of  life  he  show'd, 
Into  a  stagnant  ditch  beside  the  road, 
And  left  him  buried  there  in  slime  and  mud. 
How  he  recovered's  more  than  I  can  tell ; 
It  almost  seems  a  sort  of  miracle. 

"  Yet  after  this,  about  a  year,  he  swore 
To  be  my  Friend  and  firm  Ally  once  more : 
I  cannot  say  his  word  I  quite  believed  ; 
I  felt  that  one  of  us  would  be  deceived. 


I  soon  found  out  his  object  was  to  get 
A  meal  of  Fowls  on  which  his  heart  was  set. 
I  told  him  of  a  rafter,  where  there  us'd 
A  Cock  with  seven  fine  fat  Hens  to  roost. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


21 


It  was  past  twelve  o'clock,  one  cloudy  night 
When  moon  and  stars  gave  not  one  ray  of 

light, 

I  took  him  to  a  house  I'd  known  before, 
Where  was  a  window  on  the  second  floor ; 
The  lattice  shutter  by  good  luck  stood  ope ; 
To  this  along  the  wall  we  slily  crope ; 
And,  being  never  barren  in  expedients, 
I  prayed  mine  Uncle  he  would  take  prece- 
dence : 

'  Go  boldly  in,'  I  whispered ;  '  do  not  fear ; 
'  You  never  saw  such  Fowls,  as  you'll  find 

here ; 

'  I'll  warrant,  you  ne'er  finer  met  or  plumper ; 
1  I'd  lay  my  life  you'll  carry  off  a  thumper.' 
Cautiously  in  he  stole,  while  I  stayed  out; 
And  here  and  there  he  'gan  to  grope  about : 
But  before  long  in  tones  subdued  he  said, 
'  Reynard,  by  all  that's  Holy,  I'm  betrayed ; 
'  You've  led  me,  I  suspect,  a  wildgoose  chase  : 
'  Of  Fowls  I  find  not  the  remotest  trace.' 
'  The  foremost  I've  long  had,'  said  I ;  '  you'll 

find 

'  The  others  just  a  little  way  behind  : 
'  You'd  better  make  your  way  across  the  rafter ; 
'  Don't  be  afraid ;  I'll  follow  closely  after.' 
This  rafter  now  was  anything  but  broad. 
And  no  ways  suited  to  sustain  a  load ; 
And  Isegrim  was  fain  to  use  his  talons 
In  order  any  how  to  keep  his  balance. 
Out  at  the  window  I  contrived  to  back, 
And  then  slammed  to  the  shutter  in  a  crack  ; 
It  jarred  the  rafter,  and  the  Wolf  fell  plump, 

ere 

He  could  restore  himself,  a  monstrous  thumper. 
Thus  was  again  my  prophecy  fulfill'd  ; 
In  such  prophetic  warnings  am  I  skill'd. 
The  Housecarles,   who  around  the  chimney 

dozed, 

Were,  by  his  heavy  fall,  from  slumber  roused ; 
'  What's  that  fall'n  from  the  window  ? '  cried 

they  all, 

And  lit  the  lamp  and  searched  about  the  hall  > 
And  in  a  corner  found  they  Isegrim  ; 
Good  Saints  in  Heav'n  !  how  they  did  punish 

him ! 

Yet  somehow  he  contrived  to  get  away 
With  a  whole  skin,  but  how  I  cannot  say. 

"  I  must  confess,  too,  even  though  it  wound 
A  lady's  honor,  with  Dame  Gieremund 
I've  oftentimes  committed  mortal  sin  • — 
It  is  so  hard  to  stop  when  you  begin. 
This  fault  with  deep  contrition  I  deplore, 


And  trust  I  never  may  be  tempted  more. 

"  Such  are  my  sins,  O  Father !  if  not  all, 
At  least  I  have  confessed  the  principal. 
I  pray  for  absolution,  and  submit 


To  whatsoever  penance  you  think  fit." 
Then  Greybeard  shook  his  head,  looked  wise 

and  big ; 
And  from  a  neighb'ring  bush  plucked  off  a 

twig. 
"  My  Son,"  quoth  he,  "  this  rod  receive ;  with 

it 
Three  times  your  back  in  penance  must  you 

smite ; 

Next,  having  laid  it  gently  on  the  ground, 
Three  times  across  it  must  you  gravely  bound  ; 
Lastly,  in  humble  and  obedient  mood, 
Three  times  with  rev'rence  must  you  kiss  the 

rod. 

This  done,  I  pardon  and  absolve  you  quite. 
And  every  other  punishment  remit." 

This  penance  cheerfully  by  Reynard  done, 
Greybeard  resumed ;  "  Let  your  good  works, 

my  Son, 

Prove  the  sincerity  of  your  repentance. 
Read  psalms,  and  learn  by  heart  each  pious 

sentence ; 

Go  oft  to  Church  ;  mind  what  the  Pastor  says  ; 
And  duly  fast  on  the  appointed  days ; 
Show  those,  who  seek,  the  right  path ;  from 

your  store 

Give  willingly  and  largely  to  the  poor  ; 
And  from  your  heart  and  soul  renounce  the 

Devil 
And  all  his  works,  and  ev'ry  thought  of  evil. 


22 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


So  shall  you  come  to  Grace  at  last."     "  To  do 
All  this,"  said  Reynard,  "  solemnly  I  vow." 
The  shrift  now  ended,  tow'rds  the  Court  they 

bent 

Their  steps, — the  Confessor  and  Penitent 
In  seeming  meditation  wrapt:  their  way 
Through  pleasant  woods  and  fertile  pastures 

lay. 

On  their  right  hand  an  ancient  cloister  stood, 
Where  holy  women  of  religious  mood, 
Passed  a  pure  life  in  social  solitude. 
Stored  was  their  yard  with  Cocks  and  Hens 

and  Chickens, 

Who  often  roamed  abroad  in  search  of  pick- 
ings. 


Reynard,  when  not  with   weightier  matters 

busied, 

Would  pay  them  frequently  a  friendly  visit. 
And  now  to  Greybeard  did  he  turn  and  say, 
"  By  yonder  wall  you'll  find  our  shortest  way." 

He  did  not  mean  exactly  what  he  said; 
His  Confessor  towards  the  wall  he  led ; 
While  greedily  his  eyes  rolled  in  his  roguish 

head. 

One  Cock'rell  notes  he  in  particular, 
Who  plump  and  proud  was  strutting  in  the 

rear: 

On  him  pounced  Reynard  sudden  from  behind. 
And  made  his  feathers  scatter  in  the  wind. 

While  the  Fox  licked  his  disappointed  chaps, 
Greybeard,  incensed  at  such  a  sad  relapse, 
Exclaimed,    "Alas!    alas!     what   have  you 

done? 


Is  this  your  penitence,  unworthy  Son  ? 
Fresh  from  confession,  for  a  paltry  Fowl 
Will  you  so  peril  your  unhappy  soul?  " 
Said  Reynard,    "  You   rebuke  me  as  you 

ought : 

For  I  have  sinned  in  truth,  tho'  but  in  thought, 
Pray  for  me,  dearest  Nephew,  pray  to  Heaven, 
With  other  sins  that  this  may  be  forgiven. 
Never,  oh !  never  more  will  I  offend." 
The  cloister  passed,  the  highway  they  re- 

gain'd : 

Their  pathway  lay  across  a  narrow  nook  : 
The  Fox  behind  cast  many  a  longing  look 
Towards  those  tempting  Fowls ;  it  was  in  vain 
tie  strove  his  carnal  yearnings  to  restrain. 
If  any  one  had  then  struck  off  his  head, 
Back  to  the  Fowls  it  must  perforce  have  fled. 
Greybeard    said    sternly,     "Whither    doth 

your  eye 

Still  wander  ?    This  is  hateful  gluttony." 
Quoth   Reynard,    "  You  quite  misconceive 

th' affair; 

You  should  not  interrupt  me  when  in  pray'r. 
Let  me  conclude  my  orisons  for  those 
Whose  souls  I've  sent  to  premature  repose ; 
Their  bodies  to  my  maw  a  prey  were  given : 
For    thus    accomplished    was    the    will    of 

Heaven." 

Greybeard  was  silent ;  Reynard  did  not  turn 
His    head,  while   yet   the   Fowls    he    could 

discern. 
They  've  left  the  cloister  now  behind  them 

quite : 

They  near  the  Court :  the  Palace  is  in  sight : 
Reynard's   bold    heart    beats    faintly  in    his 

breast : 
So  grave  the  charges  that  against  him  prest. 


CHAPTER  THE  FOURTH. 

THE   TRIAL. 

SOON  as  't  was  known  by  general  report 
Reynard  was  really  coming  to  the  Court, 
Out  they  all  rushed  in  haste,  both  Great  and 

Small, 

Eager  to  see  the  famous  Criminal : 
In  flocks  and  herds  and  droves  they  thronged 

to  meet  him, 
But  scarce  did  one  with  word  of  welcome  greet 

him. 


Y 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


23 


Reynard  cared  little  though  for  this:    he 

thought — 

Or  seemed  at  least  to  think — it  mattered  nought. 
With  Greybeard  on  indiff'rent  things  he  talked 
As,  bold  as  brass,  along  the  street  he  walked; 
He  could   not,  had  he  been  the  King's  own 

Son, 
Free  from  all  crime,  with  prouder  step  have 

gone: 

And  so  before  the  King  and  all  his  Peers 
He  stood,  as  though  he  felt  nor  doubts  nor  fears. 
"  Dread  Lord  and  gracious  Sov'reign ! "  thus 

said  he, 

"  For  ever  gracious  have  you  proved  to  me; — 
Therefore  I  stand  before  You,  void  of  fear, 
Sure   that  my  tale  with  patience   you  will 

hear ; — 

A  more  devoted  Servant  to  the  Crown, 
Than  I  have  been,  my  Liege  hath  never  known  ; 
'T  is  this  brings  me  such  hosts  of  Enemies, 
Who  strive  to  work  me  mischief  in  Your  eyes ; 
And  bitter  reason  should  I  have  to  grieve, 
Could  You  one  half  their  calumnies  believe. 
But  high  and   just  and  righteous  all  Your 

views  are ; 

You  hear  the  Accused,  as  well  as  the  Accuser  ; 
Howev'r  behind  my  back  they  slander  me, 
You  know  how  great  is  my  integrity. " 
"  Silence  that  lying  tongue !  "   the  Monarch 

cries, 

"  Nor  think  to  veil  your  crimes  with  sophis- 
tries. 

In  one  career  of  vice  your  life  is  spent ; 
It  calls  aloud  to  Heav'n  for  punishment. 
How  have  you  kept  the  peace  that  I  ordained 
Throughout  My  kingdom's  breadth  should  be 

maintained  ? 

Yon  mourns  the  Cock,  disconsolate  with  grief; 
His  Children  slain  by  you,  false-hearted  thief! 
You  boast  of  your  devotion  to  the  Crown, 
Is't  by  your  treatment  of  My  Servants  shown  ? 
Bruin,  by  your  devices,  hath  been  lamed ; 
My  faithful  Tybalt  so  severely  maimed, 
The  Leech  doubts  if  he  may  his  health  restore — 
But  I  will  waste  My  words  on  you  no  more ; 
Lo !  your  Accusers  press  on  every  side  ; 
All  further  subterfuge  seems  now  denied." 
"Ah!    Sire,"    rejoined  the  Fox,  "am  I  to 

blame 

My  Uncle  Bruin  has  returned  so  lame  ? 
Or  is  it  my  fault  he  has  tastes  so  funny, 
He  must  needs  pilfer  honest  People's  honey  ? 
What  if  the  Peasants  caught  him  in  the  fact, 


And,  'spite  his  size  and  strength,  he  got  well 

whack'd  ? 

I  could  not  help  it,  nor  could  succour  him  ; — 
In  sooth  't  was  lucky  he  knew  how  to  swim. 
Then  as  for  Tybalt,  when  he  came  to  me, 
I  shewed  him  ev'ry  hospitality. 
Gave  him  the  best  I  had  ;  but  not  content, 
His  mind  was  wholly  upon  thieving  bent : 
He  scorned  my  larder,  and  would  poke  his 

nose  in 

The  Parson's  granary  to  go  a  mousing, 
In  spite  of  all  my  caution  and  advice — 
It  seems  he  has  a  strange  penchant  for  Mice. 
Shall  I  be  punished  because  they  were  Fools  ? 
Does  that  comport  with  Justice'  sacred  rules  ? 
But  You  will  do  Your  royal  will  I  know ; 
And  I  must  e'en  submit  for  weal  or  woe  : 
Whether  I  am  imprisoned,  tortured,  martyred, 
Burnt  or  beheaded,  or  hung,  drawn  and  quar- 
tered ; 

So  it  must  be,  if  so  it  be  You  list : 
Your  pow'r  is  great,  how  can  the  Weak  resist  ? 
Tho'  to  the  State  small   good  my  death  will 

bring ; 

I  shall  at  least  die  loyal  to  my  King." 
Up  spake  the  Ram  then,  "  Friends,  the  time 

is  come ; 

Urge  now  your  plaints,  or  evermore  be  dumb !" 
Then,  all  confederate  for  Reynard's  ruin, 
Stept  Tybalt  forth,  and  Isegrim,  and  Brain  ; 
And  other  beasts  came  swarming  by  the 

score, 
The  thin-skinn'd  Roebuck  and  the  thick- 

skinn'd  Boar, 

Neddy  the  Donkey  too,  and  many  more. 
Frizzy  the  Poodle  also,  and  the  Goat, 
The  Squirrel,  and  the  Weasel,  and  the  Stoat; 
Nor  did  the  Ox  or  Horse  fail  to  appear ; 
And  Beasts  of  savage  nature  too  were  there ; 
The  flitting  Rabbit,  and  the  nimble  Hare. 
The  Swan,  the    Stork,  the  Heron    and  the 

Crane ; 

All  thither  flew,  all  eager  to  complain. 
Sibby  the  Goose,  with  anger  hissing,  came, 
And  the  Duck  Quackley,  who  was  sadly  lame ; 
And  Chanticleer,  that  most  unhappy  Cock, 
Whose  sorrows  might  have  touched  a  heart 

of  rock, 

With  the  few  Children  that  to  him  were  left, 
Accused  the  Fox  of  murder  and  of  theft. 
In  countless  flocks  came  swarming  in  the  Birds, 
The  Beasts  in  vast  innumerable  herds ; 
All  vehement  alike  on  vengeance  bent, 


24 


REYNAED  THE  FOX. 


All  clam'rous  press'd  for  Reynard's  punish- 
ment. 
Charge  upon  charge  there  followed,  thick  and 

fast, 
And  each  fresh  plaint  more  weighty  than  the 

last. 

Since  Noble  sat  upon  his  Father's  throne, 
Was  never  yet  such  a  Grand  Oyer  known ; 
Indeed  so  nura'rous  the  complainants  were, 
It  seemed  an  Oyer  with  no  Terminer. 

Meanwhile  the  Fox  conducted  his  defence 
With  most  consummate  skill  and  impudence ; 
One  time  a  Witness  he  would  browbeat  so, 
That  what  he  said  the  poor  man  scarce  should 

know; 

Or  else  repeat  his  answers  in  a  tone, 
Which  gave  a  sense  quite  diff'rent  from  his 

own ; 

Or  interrupt  with  some  facetious  jest, 
Or  tell  a  story  with  such  hum'rous  zest, 
That,  serious  things  forgotten  in  the  sport, 
They  laugh'd  the  Prosecutor  out  of  Court. 
And  when  he  spoke,  Truth  seemed  to  tip  his 

tongue, 

Indignant  as  each  charge  aside  he  flung  ; 
They  heard  with  wonder  and  diversion  blent, 
Almost  disposed  to  think  him  innocent ; 
Nay,  some    there  were  who  more  than  half 

believed 
He  was  himself  the  Party  most  aggrieved. 

At  length  came  Witnesses  who  stood  so  high 
For  unimpeachable  veracity, 
That  all  his  crimes  and  outrages,  as  clear 
As  is  the  sun  at  noon,  were  made  appear. 
The  Council  all  agreeing,  with  one  breath, 
Pronounced   him  guilty  and   condemned   to 

death ; 

Bound,  to  the  gallows  he  should  thence  be  led, 
And  hanged  there  by  the  neck  till  he  was  dead. 
And  Reynard  now  gave  up  the  game  for  lost ; 
His  skill  had  served  him  for  display  at  most ; 
And  as  the  King  himself  his  doom  pronounced, 
All  hope  of  mercy  he  as  vain  renounced ; 
For  seized  and  pinioned,  hopeless  was  his  case, 
With  ignominious  death  before  his  face. 

As  there  he  stood,  disgraced,  disconsolate, 
His  Foes  bestirred  themselves  to  speed  his  fate 
His  Friends  the  while  in  silent  awe   stood 

round ; 

Great  was  their  trouble,  and  their  pain  pro- 
found ; 

Martin  the  Ape,  Greybeard,  and  many  more, 
Who  to  the  hapless  Culprit  kindred  bore 


The  King's  will  they  respected  as  they  ought ; 
But  sorrow'd  all — more  than  one  might  have 

thought : 

For  Reynard  was  a  Peer  of  high  degree, 
And  now  stood  stripped  of  every  dignity ; 
Adjudged  to  die  a  death  of  infamy. 
A  sight  indeed  to  make  his  Kinsmen  grieve ; 
Then  of  the  King  they  one  and  all  took  leave, 
And  left  the  Court,  as  many  as  were  there ; 
Reynard's  disgrace  they  had  no  mind  to  share. 
The  King  was  sore  chagrined  though  in  his 

heart, 

To  see  so  many  Peers  and  Knights  depart : 
It  proved  the  Fox  had  some  Adherents  still 
Too  much  disposed  to  take  his  sentence  ill. 
Then  turning  to  his  Chancellor,  he  said, 
"  Though   Reynard's  crimes   his  doom  have 

merited, 

'T  is  cause  for  anxious  thought  and  deepest  care 
How  we  his  num'rous  friends  from  Court  may 

spare. " 

But  Bruin,  Isegrim  and  Tybalt,  all 
Were  busied  round  the  luckless  Criminal. 
Anxious  to  execute  the  King's  decree, 
They  hurried  forth  their  hated  Enemy, 
And  onward  hastened  to  the  fatal  tree. 
Thus  to  the  Wolf  then  spake  the  spiteful  Cat : 
"Sir  Isegrim,  you've  now  got  tit-for-tat; 
You  need  not  be  reminded,  I'll  be  sworn, 
Of  all  the  wrongs  from  Reynard  you  have 

borne. 
You'll  not  forget,  unless  your  heart's  grown 

callous, 
He  had  your  Brother  hanged  on  that  same 

gallows, 

And  taunted  him  with  many  a  biting  scoff; 
In  his  own  coin  you  now  can  pay  him  off. 
Remember  too  the  foul  trick  you  were  played, 
Sir  Bruin,  when  by  Reynard's  craft  betrayed 
To  that  base  Joiner  and  his  rabble  Crew ; 
The  insults  you  received,  the  beating  too ; 
Besides  the  deep  and  scandalous  disgrace 
To  be  the  talking-stock  of  every  place. 
Keep  close  together  then  and  have  a  care ; 
Lest  he  slip  off  before  one  is  aware : 
For  if,  by  any  artifice  or  chance, 
He  now  contrive  to  'scape  our  vigilance, 
We  shall  remain  eternally  disgrac'd, 
Nor  ever  shall  the  sweets  of  vengeance  taste." 
Quoth  Isegrim,  "  What  boots  it  chattering  so  ? 
Fetch  me  a  halter  without  more  ado. 
A  halter,  ho !  and  see  that  it  be  strong : 
We  would  not  have  his  suff 'ring  last  too  long." 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


25 


Thus  against  Reynard  did  they  vent   their 
wrath, 

As  tow'rds  the  gibbet  they  held  on  their  path. 

He'd  heard  all  they  had  said,  and  not  yet 
spoke ; 

But  now,  with  sidelong  leer,  he  silence  broke ; 
"  If  you  a  halter  want,  Tybalt's  the  man 

To  fit  you  one  upon  the  newest  plan ; 

He  knows  how  best  to  make  a  running  noose, 

From  which  one  cannot  possibly  get  loose ; 

He  learnt  it  at  the  Parson's  granary, 

Where  to  catch  Mice  he  went,  and  lost  an  eye. 

But,  Isegrim !  and  Bruin  !  why  pretend 

Such  zeal  to  hasten  your  poor  Uncle's  end  ? 

In  sooth  it  does  not  to  your  credit  tend." 
Now  rose  the  King,  with  all  his  Lords,  to  see 

Justice  was  done  with  due  solemnity; 

And,  by  her  courtly  Dames  accompanied, 

The  Queen  herself  walked  by  the  Monarch's 
side: 

And  never  was  there  seen  a  Crowd  so  great 

As  followed  them  to  witness  Reynard's  fate. 
Meanwhile  Sir  Isegrim  his  Friends  besought 

To  march  close  packed,  and  keep  a  sharp  look- 
out; 

For  much  he  feared,  lest  by  some  shifty  wile 

The  Fox  might  yet  their  watchfulness  beguile : 

And  specially  did  he  conjure  his  Wife  ; 

41  See  that  the  Wretch  escape  not,  on  thy  life ; 

If  he  should  this  time  slip  from  out  our  pow'r, 

We  ne'er  should  know  another  peaceful  hour. 

Think  of  your  wrongs ;"    thus  Bruin  he  ad- 
dressed ; 

41  And  see  you  pay  them  with  full  interest. 

Tybalt  can  clamber;  he  the  rope  shall  fix  ; 

You  hold  Sir  Reynard  tight,  and  mind  his 
tricks : 

I'll  raise  the  ladder,  and  you  may  depend  on't 

In  a  few  minutes  we  shall  make  an  end  on't." 
Quoth  Bruin,  "  Quick !   and  get  the  ladder 
plac'd : 

I'll  warrant  me  I'll  hold  the  Ruffian  fast." 
"Why  should  you  take,"  again  thus  Rey- 
nard saith, 

•"  Such  pains  to  expedite  your  Uncle's  death? 

You  know,  the  more  the  haste,  the  worse  the 
speed. 

Ah !  sad  and  crnel  is  my  lot  indeed, 

To  meet  with  hate  from  such  old  Friends  as 
you  ! 

I  know  't  were  vain,  or  I  for  grace  would  sue. 

Stern  Isegrim  hath  e'en  compelled  his  Wife 

Join  this  unkindly  plot  against  my  life  : 


Her  memories  of  the  past  might  surely  wake 

Some  feelings  of  compassion  for  my  sake : 

But  when  you  can  foretell  to-morrow's  wind, 

Then  trust  the  constancy  of  Womankind. 

But  if  so  be  it  must ;  so  let  it  be. 

The  sooner  done,  the  sooner  I  am  free. 

My  fate  will  but  with  my  poor  Father's  match  ; 

Albeit,  good  Soul,  he  died  with  more  despatch. 

Neither  did  such  a  goodly  Company 

Attend  his  death,  as  now  has  honor'd  me. 

You  seem  to  fancy,  if  you  spared  me  now 

You'd  all  be  shamed ;  and   haply,  't  would 

be  so." 

"Hear  him!"  cried  Bruin;  " hear  the  Ruf- 
fian boast ; 

Quick !   prithee,  quick !   let  no  more  time  be 

lost." 
Then  Reynard  seriously  to  think  began — 

"  Could  I  but  now  devise  some  cunning  plan ; 

That,  in  this  hour  of  my  extremest  need, 

I  might  be  pardoned  and  from  bondage  freed  ; 

Escape  with  credit  from  death's  bitter  throes, 

And  heap  disgrace  on  these  detested  Foes. 

What  can  be  done  ?  't  is  worth  some  pains  to 
take, 

Since  nothing  less  than  life  is  here  at  stake. 

Slight  seem  the  chances  for  me ;  strong,  against; 

The  King,  no  doubt,  is  bitterly  incens'd ; 


My  Enemies  all  here  ;  my  Friends  away  ; 
All  my  misdeeds  brought  to  the  light  of  day : — 
And,  truth  to  speak,  but  little  good  I've  done  ; 
Yet  ever  hoped  this  evil  hour  to  shun. 
If  they'd  but  grant  me  liberty  of  speech, 
Some  of  their  cruel  hearts  I  yet  might  reach  ; 
And  so  get  free  of  this  accursed  rope  ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


At  least  I'll  try  it: — while  there's  life,  there's 

hope." 

Then  turning  on  the  ladder  where  he  stood, 
He  thus  addressed  th'  assembled  Multitude  : 
"  My  doom  is   fixed ;    chance   of   escape   is 

none; 

Grant  then  a  dying  man  one  trifling  boon  : 
Before  you  all,  as  many  as  are  here, 
Ere  yet  I  close  my  criminal  career, 
Fain  would  I  freely  all  my  sins  confess, 
Lamenting  that  their  number  is  not  less  ; 
Else  for  some  crime  in  secret  done  by  me, 
The  Innocent  perchance  might  punished  be : 
And  thus  my  sinful  soul  some  hope  may  have 
Of  mercy  on  the  other  side  the  grave." 

Many  were  moved  at  this  and  'gan  to  say  ; 
"Small  is  the  favor,  brief  is  the  delay." 
And  as  U  seemed  a  reasonable  thing, 
They  begged  it  and  obtained  it  of  the  King. 
A  load   was   now  removed  from   Reynard's 

heart, 

And  he  at  once  prepared  to  play  his  part : 
While  through  the  Crowd  expectant  murmurs 

ran, 
With  well-feigned  penitence  he  thus  began  : 

"Oh,  aid  me  now,  Spiritus  Domini! 
For  I  am  sentenced  and  must  shortly  die. 
Vast  as  this  meeting,  scarce  can  I  see  one, 
To  whom  I've  not  some  grievous  inj'ry  done. 
Whilst  I  was  still  a  tiny  little  Brat, 
Scarce  weaned,  and  not  much  higher  than  my 

hat, 

I  loved  to  watch  the  Lambs  and  Kids  at  play 
When  from  their  watchful  Herds  they  chanced 

to  stray : 

It  made  my  bosom  throb  to  hear  them  bleat, 
My  bowels  yearn  too  for  substantial  meat. 
Ere  long,  in  jest,  I  bit  to  death  a  Lamb, 
Who'd  stroll' d  away  some  distance  from  its 

Dam  ; 
While  yet  'twas  warm  and  fresh,  I  licked  the 

blood, 

And  found  that  it  was  exquisitely  good. 
Four  of  the  youngest  Kids  I  next  did  slaughter : 
The  thought — Heav'n  help  me  ! — makes  my 

mouth  yet  water. 

Grown  bolder,  I  indulged  each  wild  caprice  ; 
My  tooth  spared  neither  Fowls  nor  Ducks  nor 

Geese : 

I  caught  and  ate  them  wheresoever  found, 
And  some,  half-eaten,  buried  in  the  ground. 
"  One  winter,  on  the  Rhine,  it  chanced  I 

met 


Is' grim, — a  meeting  I  may  well  regret. 

He  claimed  direct  relationship  with  me, 

Showed  we  were  Cousins,  and  in  what  degree. 

Guileless  myself,  I  readily  believed ; 

Perhaps  too  ready  to  be  so  deceived. 

Ourselves  we  bound  then  in  a  solemn  league ; 

Force  should  be  used  by  him ;  by  me,  intrigue ; 

Eternal  friendship  each  to  each  we  swore, 

Ah !  little  did  I  ween  what  fruit  his  friend- 
ship bore. 
"  The  provinces  we  traversed,  one  and  all  ; 

He  the  large  booty  stealing ;  I,  the  small. 

Our  bargain  was,  we  should  divide  all  fair ; 

But  what  he  chose  to  leave  was  all  my  share ; 

Nor  was  this  all  th'  injustice  I  must  bear. 

If  e'er  he  chanced  a  Goat  or  Sheep  to  steal, 

And  I  came  up,  and  found  him  at  his  meal ; 

Or  caught  him  gorging  a  fresh-slaughtered 
Calf, 

Of  which  he'd  not  devoured  more  than  half; 

He'd  grin  his  teeth  at  me,  and  swear  and 
curse ; 

I  was  e'en  glad  that  matters  were  no  worse. 

And  thus  it  was  he  always  treated  me, 

However  large  the  booty  chanced  to  be. 

In  hunting,  if  we  ever  caught,  by  luck, 

Some  head  of  noble  game,  as  Hind,  or  Buck, 

Or  Ox,  or  Cow,  whose  carcase  vast  was  more 

Than  e'en  his  gluttony  could  all  devour ; 

His  Wife  and  Children  straight  made  their 
appearance, 

And  in  a  trice  there  was  a  total  clearance  ; 

Not  e'en  a  spare  rib  fell  unto  my  share, 

But  what  was  gnawed  and   polished,  clean 
and  bare : 

And  thus  was  I  forever  forced  to  fare. 

But  Heav'n  be  thanked  I  never  suffered  hun- 
ger; 

I'd  means  to  live  on,  twenty  years  or  longer  ; 

A  treasure  vast  of  silver  and  of  gold, 

Securely  hidden  in  a  secret  hold. 

More  than  a  single  waggon,  I  might  say 

Even  at  seven  loadings,  could  convey." 
Noble,  the  King,  heard  all  that  Reynard 
said, 

And  bending  forward  now  his  Royal  head  ; 
Say  then,  where  did  you  get  it  from?  "  he 

cried, 

I  mean  the  treasure."    And  the  Fox  replied, 
It  boots  me  nought  to  keep  my  secret  now  ; 

I  cannot  take  my  wealth  to  where  I  go. 

All,  as  Your  Grace  commands  me,  will  I  tell ; 

From  fear  or  favor  nought  will  I  conceal. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


27 


Stol'n  was  the  treasure ;  I'll  not  tell  a  lie : 

Th'  occasion  though  the  theft  shall  justify. 
"  There  was  a  plot,  a  most  atrocious  thing! 

Even  to  murder  You,  my  Lord  and  King ; 

And  then  to  seize  upon  the  vacant  Throne : 

Beyond  all  doubt  the  deed  would  have  been 
done, 

If  but  secure  that  treasure  had  been  left ; 

Your  life,  my  Liege,  depended  on  that  theft. 

It  helped  indeed  to  lay  my  Father  low, 

Perchance  involved  his  soul  in  endless  woe : 

But  private  interests,  however  dear, 

With  public  duties  must  not  interfere." 
The  Queen  had  heard  this  lengthy  rigmarole 

With  most  extreme  bewilderment  of  soul, 

Alternating  between  alarm  and  pleasure ; 

Her   Husband's  murder,  heaps  of   glitt'ring 
treasure, 

And  widow's    weeds,  and   bridal    garments 
white, 

In  wild  confusion  danced  before  her  sight. 
"Reynard,"  she  cried,  "  your  hour  is  almost 
come ; 

Before  you  lies  the  road  to  your  long  home  ; 

Nought  but  true  penitence  can  save  your  soul ; 

Tell  nothing  but  the  truth,  and  tell  the  whole." 
Then  spake  the  King,  "  Be  silent,  ev'ry  one  ! 

Let  Reynard  from  the  gallows-tree  come  down : 

And  let  him, — but    still    bound, — approach 
mine  ear, 

'  T  isfit  that  this  strange  hist'ry  I  should  hear." 
With  cheerful  hopes  buoyed  up  the  Fox  de- 
scends, 

While  grieved  bis  Foes  were,  and  rejoiced  his 
Friends  ; 

Approached,  as   he  was  bid,  the   King  and 
Queen  ; 

Who  longed  to  know  what  might  this  myst'ry 
mean. 

His  web  of  lies  he  straight  prepared  to  spin  ; 

'If  the  King's  grace,'  he   thought,  'I  could 
but  win, 

And,  by  some  cunning  trick  of  policy, 

Could  ruin  those  who  seek  to  ruin  me, 

From  peril  then  should  I  be  wholly  freed. 

Ah  !  that  would  be  a  master  stroke  indeed. 

'T  is  a  bold  cast :  if  I  would  prosper  in  't, 

'T  will  need  the  use  of  falsehood  without  stint.' 
The  Queen  impatient  questioned  him  again  : 

"The  whole  proceeding,  Reynard,  now  ex- 
plain ; 

Speak  truth,  and  ease  your  conscience  and 
your  soul." 


"  Truly,"  said  Reynard,  "will  1  tell  the  whole. 
Am  I  not  doomed,  too  justly  doomed,  to  die? 
No  chance  there  is  to  'scape  my  destiny. 
My  soul  to  burden  more  at  such  a  time 
Were  but  to  add  a  folly  to  my  crime. 
Better  to  speak  the  truth  at  any  rate, 
Though  Friends  and  Kinsmen  I  may  implicate. 
There  is  no  help  for  it,  I  know  right  well ; 
Before  mine  eyes  I  have  the  pains  of  Hell." 
And  the  King's  heart  with  gloom  was  over- 
spread ; 
"  And  speak' st  thou  nought  but  sober  truth  ?" 

he  said. 

Reynard  replied  with  sanctimonious  mien, 
' '  A  miserable  Sinner  have  I  been  ; 
And  oft  have  lied  to  serve  mine  interest ; 
But  surely  now  the  truth  shall  aid  me  best : 
Falsely  to  make  a  dying  declaration 
Would  be  to  court  eternal  condemnation. 
Yourself,  my  Liege,  have  doomed  that  I  must 

die; 

With  my  last  words  I  dare  not  breathe  a  lie." 
While  thus  did  Reynard,  vile  Dissembler, 

speak, 
Remorse  and   terror  seemed   to   blanch   his 

cheek. 
And  the  Queen  said,  "  His  anguish  moves  my 

ruth  : 

Encourage  him,  dear  Lord,  to  speak  the  truth  ; 
And  hear  his  story  calmly  to  the  end  : 
Our  safety  may  upon  his  tale  depend. 
Give  your  commands  that  no  one  silence  break, 
And  let  him  publicly  his  statement  make." 
At  the   King's   bidding  not  a  sound   was 

heard  ; 
And  Reynard  spake,  "  Please  you,  my  gracious 

Lord, 

Receive  with  favor  what  I  have  to  say  ; 
Though  note  nor  minute  have  I  here  to-day, 
The  whole  conspiracy  will  I  lay  bare, 
And  no  one,  be  he  Friend  or  Foe,  will  spare." 

CHAPTER  THE  FIFTH. 

THE    PARDON. 

Now  hear  what  lying  tales  the  Fox  dared  state, 
To  screen  himself,  and  others  inculpate ; 
To  what  base  falsehoods  utterance  he  gave, 
Slandered  his  very  Father  in  the  grave, 
Traduced   the    Badger   too,    his    staunchest 

Friend  ; 
He  thought  all  means  were  sanctioned  by  the 

end ; 


28 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


So  he  could  but  get  credit  for  his  lies, 
And  have  revenge  upon  his  Enemies. 

Thus  he  began  :    "It  chanced  that  once  my 

Sire, 

Whose  wit   and  wisdom  still  the  World   ad- 
mire, 

Discovered,  hid  in  an  obscure  retreat, 
The  treasures  of  King  Emmerick  the  Great ; 
It  seemed  a  Godsend,  but  it  brought  such  evil, 
'T  was  much  more  likely  sent  him  from  the 

Devil. 
With  his  new  fortune  he  waxed  haught  and 

proud ; 
For  his   old   Comrades  deemed   himself  too 

good ; 

Fancied  that  by  assistance  of  his  pelf 
To  higher  circles  he  might  raise  himself; 
Conceived  ideas  the  most  absurd  and  vain, 
And  hatched  the  strangest   maggots   in   his 

brain. 

He  sent  off  Tybalt  to  Ardennes'  wild  regions 
For  Bruin,  tend' ring  him  his  sworn  allegiance ; 
Inviting  him  to  Flanders  to  repair, 
And  promising  to  make  him  King  when  there. 
Bruin  with  vast  delight  his  letter  read, 
Without  delay  to  Flanders  off  he  sped  ; 
Him  did  my  Sire  exultingly  receive ; 
And  planned   how  their   designs   they  might 

achieve. 

They  got  to  join  them  in  the  enterprise, 
Is' grim  the  savage,  and  Greybeard  the  wise. 
These  four  in  the  conspiracy  combin'd  ; 
Four  persons  truly,  though  but  one  in  mind  ; 
While  Tybalt  joined  their  counsels  for  a  fifth  : 
They  journeyed  onwards  till  they  came  to  Ifth  ; 
A  little  village  is  there  of  that  name, 
Obscure  it  is  and  all  unknown  to  Fame  ; 
'Twixt  this  and  Ghent,  in  a  sequestered  spot, 
They  met  together  to  arrange  their  plot. 
Over  the  meeting,  which  murk  night  did  hide, 
The  Devil  and  my  Father  did  preside ; 
One  o'er  their  minds  with  false  hopes  kept  his 

hold, 

One,  with  the  influence  of  his  dirty  gold. 
Regardless  of  all  loyalty  and  faith, 
They   compassed    and    imagined  the    King's 

death : 

The  five  then  swore  on  Is' grim' a  cursed  head, 
Bruin  the  Bear  should  reign  in  Noble's  stead  ; 
And  at  Aix-la-Chapelle.  upon  the  throne, 
Should  bind   his   temples   with    the   golden 

crown. 
If  any  one  their  trait'rous  scheme  withstood, 


Bound  to  the  King  by  fealty  or  blood, 
Him  should  my  Sire  with  words  or  bribes  per- 
suade, 

Or,  failing  these,  call  force  in  to  his  aid. 
I  learnt  the  bus'ness  in  the  strangest  way  ; 
The  Badger  had  been  drinking  hard  one  day, 


Th'  uxorious  blockhead,  though  it  risked  his 

life, 

Told  the  whole  secret  to  his  wheedling  Wife  ; 
He  bound  her  though  to  solemn  secrecy, 
And  the  Fool  fancied  that  he  safe  would  be. 
But  what  are  woman's  vows  ?     His  Wife  and 

mine 

Gossips  had  been  together  from  lang  syne  ; 
And  when  they  met,  the  former,  as  with  child 
Of  her   grand   secret,  nodded,  smirked   and 

smil'd ; 

And  having  made  my  Wife  first  swear  an  oath, 
By  the  three   Kings,   and  by  her  faith  and 

troth, 

Never  to  breathe  one  word  to  mortal  soul, 
Relieved  her  lab'ring  bosom  of  the  whole. 
My  Wife  was  horror-struck,  and  straightway 

she 

Felt  it  her  duty  to  tell  all  to  me  ; 
Of  course;  for  Moralists  have  all  one  mind, 
That  inofficious  vows  can  never  bind. 
I  saw   at   once — what   man  of  sense   would 

not?— 

The  wickedness  and  folly  of  the  plot: 
All  living  Beasts  had  gone  unto  the  Dogs, — 
And  fared,  as  formerly  those  stupid  Frogs ; 
Who  with    their  ceaseless  croakings   worried 

Heaven, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


29 


To   change   the   King  who  first  to  them  was 

given  ; 

His  tranquil  reign  inglorious  they  deemed ; 
Theylong'd  for  greater  freedom,  as  it  seemed; 
Then   o'er   them  to  preside  Heav'n  sent  the 

Stork  ; 

Like  a  Legitimate  he  set  to  work  ; 
All  who  opposed  he  banished  from  the  State, 
Decreed  their  lands  and  chattels  confiscate  ; 
And  while  he  thus  enrich' d  himself,  he  swore 
'T  was  all  to  benefit  the  Church  and  Poor  ; 
While  love  for  law  and  order  he  professed, 
Freedom  in  speech  and  action  were  repressed  ; 
And  none  were  heard,  or  suffered,  to  repine  ; 
Thus  did  he  prove  he  ruled  by  Right  Divine. 
The  poor  Fools  curst  their  self-invited  fate, 
And  wished  the  old  King  back  ;  but  't  was  too 

late." 

Thus  spake  the  Fox  ;  and  lied  at  ev'ry  word, 
That  all   who  heard   him  wondered   as  they 

heard. 
"  The  State,"  he  thus  proceeded,  "had  been 

lost ; 
But  'twas  Your  safety,   Sire,  concerned  me 

most : 

The  risks  I  ran  to  save  You  were  immense, 
And  merited  some  better  recompense. 
Bruin's  fell  mind  I  knew  ;  his  temper  curst, 
His  love  of  cruelty  forebode  the  worst ; 
Our  lives,  if  he  had  chanced  to  get  the  sway, 
Had  not  been  worth  the  purchase  of  a  day. 
Our  present  King  enjoys  a  diff'rent  fame ; 
Noble  alike  by  nature  and  by  name. 
A  sad  and  stupid  change  indeed  it  were — 
A  royal  Lion  for  a  clownish  Bear ! 
Thus    with    myself     I     oft     communed     in 

thought ; 

And  means  to  ward  this  evil  daily  fought. 
"  One  thing  was  certain ;  if  my  Sire  re- 
tain'd 

This  vast  amount  of  wealth  at  his  command, 
Hosts  of  Allies  together  he  might  bring, 
Would  win  his  game,  while  we  should  lose 

our  King. 

And  now  my  chiefest  study  was  to  trace 
This  secret  treasure  to  its  hiding  place ; 
Then  bear  it  safe  away,  if  so  I  might ; 
Of  this  I  dreamed  by  day  and  schemed  by 

night. 

Wherever  now  the  crafty  Old-one  went, 
Through  field  or  forest  where  his  steps  he 

bent, 
Whether  in  cold,  or  heat,  or  wet,  or  dry, 


Close  on  his  track  incessantly  was  I. 

•'  But  Chance  at  length,  or  rather,  Heaven's 

high  will, 

Procured  me  what  I  could  not  gain  by  skill. 
Concealed  behind  a  bush,  one  summer's  day, 
Chewing  the  cud  of  bitter  thought,  I  lay; 
Grinding  all  sorts  of  plans  within  my  pate, 
This  treasure  to  secure,  and  save  the  State : 
When  from  a  fissure  in  the  rocks  hard  by, 
I  saw  my  Father  creep  out  stealthily ; 
With  expectation  breathless  I  lay  hid  : 
While,  cautious,  he  looked  round  on  ev'ry 

side ; 

Thought  himself  safe,  perceiving  no  one  near, 
And  then  began  his  games,  as  you  shall  hear. 


The  hole  with  sand  he  filled,  and  all  around 
He  levelled  skilfully  th'  adjacent  ground  ; 
Nor  was  this  all ;  before  he  left  the  place, 
All  marks  of  footsteps  he  contrived  t'  efface  : 
Bent  to  the  earth,  he  swished  his  tail  about, 
And  smoothed  it  o'er  with  his  elastic  snout. 
Ah!  truly  was  my  Sire  a  wondrous  Man  ! 
The  wide  World  now  may  match  him,  if  it 

can! 

How  many  quips  and  cranks  and  wanton  wiles 

I  learnt  from  him,  most  cunning  of  old  Files ! 

' '  But  to  proceed.     He  quickly  left  the  spot ; 

'  Here    then    the    treasure   is    concealed,'    I 

thought. 

I  hastened  to  the  rocks  with  eager  soul, 
Soon  scratched   away  the  sand  and  cleared 

the  hole, 


30 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  down  into  the  cleft  with  caution  stole. 
Good  Heav'ns!    what  precious  things  there 

met  my  sight ! 

What  masses  of  red  gold  and  silver  white ! 
The  oldest  present  here,  I'm  bold  to  say, 
Ne'er  saw  such  stores  as  I  beheld  that  day. 
My  Wife  I  brought  the  glorious  sight  to  see ; 
To  move  the  treasure  hourly  laboured  we ; 
And  sooth,  it  was  a  work  of  toil  and  pain ; 
We'd  nought  to  help  us, — neither  cart  nor 

wain. 

My  good  Wife  held  out  bravely  to  the  last, 
Till  we  in  safety  had  the  treasure  plac'd. 

"  Meanwhile  my  Sire  consulted  day  by  day, 
With  those  who  sought  our  Sov' reign  to  betray. 
For  dread  and  horror  now  your  souls  prepare, 
Their  machinations  base  whilst  I  lay  bare. 
By  Isegrim  and  Bruin  briefs  were  sent, 
To  raise  recruits  and  stir  up  discontent ; 
All  were  allured  in  Bruin's  host  to  serve; 
Whom  lucre  might  from  duty  tempt  to  swerve. 
And  that  the  call  they  sooner  might  obey, 
They  were  assured  a  month's  advance  of  pay. 
These  briefs  my  Father  round  the  country 

bore; 

He  deemed  in  safety  he  had  left  his  store ; 
Though  if  with  all  his  friends  he'd  searched 

for  ever, 

He  ne'er  had  found  a  solitary  stiver. 
No  pains  he  spared  to  further  the  design ; 
Sought  ev'ry  spot  between  the  Elbe  and  Rhine, 
And  many  Converts  to  the  cause  he  made ; — 
Who  largely  promises  may  soon  persuade. 
"  At  length  the  summertide  once  more  was 

come; 

With  it  returned  my  weary  Father  home ; 
Of  troubles  and  mishaps  he'd  much  to  tell, 
Of  many  hair-breadth  'scapes  by  field  and  fell ; 
How  for  his  life  he  had  been  forced  to  flee, 
Among  the  towered  heights  of  Saxony ; 
Where  wicked    hunters  chased    him  out   of 

spite, 
With  horse  and  hound,  from  morn  till  starry 

night; 
That    scarce    he    saved    his    skin   by  rapid 

flight. 

With  joy  then  to  his  Comrades  he  display'd 
The  long  list  of  Adherents  he  had  made. 
Bruin  was  charmed,  and,  with  the  other  four, 
Studied  th'  important  writing  o'er  and  o'er. 
Twelve  hundred  souls  of  Is'grim's  savage  Clan, 
Had  pledged  themselves  to  join  him  to  a  man, 
With  sharp  and  hungry  teeth  and  open  jaws, 


They  promised  to  support  King  Bruin's  cause. 
The  Cats  and  Bears  enrolled  without  a  bribe ; 
And  all  the  Glutton,  all  the  Badger  tribe ; 
But,  less  devoted,  or  more  cautious,  they 
Had  bargained  for  the  month's  advance  of  pay. 
All  these  and  many  more  had  sworn  t'  attend, 
At  the  first  summons  which  the  Bear  should 

send. 
By  me  this  plot  was  foiled:    but  thanks  be 

given 

Not  unto  me  for  this ;  but  unto  Heaven ! 
"  My  Sire  now  hastened  to  the  cave  once 

more; 

Eager  to  tell  his  cherished  treasure  o'er: 
But,  though  the  firmest  faith  possessed  his 

mind, 

The  more  he  sought  the  more  he  did  not  find. 
Vain  were  his  labors,  his  regrets  as  vain, 
Doomed  never  to  behold  his  wealth  again. 
Three  days  disconsolate  he  roamed  the  wood, 
Shunning  his  mates,  and  never  tasting  food  ; 
The  fourth — sad  day   for   me  !  although  his 

Heir- 
He   hanged   himself  from   grief  and    sheer 

despair. 
"  Thus  have  I  done,  thus  suffered,  good  my 

Lord, 

To  countervail  a  plot  my  soul  abhorr'd. 
Though  for  my  pains  this  strange  return  I  get. 
The  steps  I  took  I  never  can  regret, 
Is' grim  and  Bruin  sit  at  Your  right  hand, 
Doomed   as   a   Traitor   the  poor    Fox    must 

stand ; 

But  yet  this  thought  shall  consolation  bring ; 
I  lost  my  Father,  but  I  saved  my  King. 
The  ill  I've  done  be  buried  in  my  grave, 
My  name  this   one   good  deed   from  infamy 

shall  save." 
He  ceased  :  a  murmur  ran  through  all  the 

crowd ; 
But  what  all   thought,  none  dared    to  speak 

aloud. 
The  King  and    Queen   both    felt    a    strong 

desire 

This  wondrous  store  of  treasure  to  acquire  ; 
They  call'd  the  Fox  aside  and  bade  him  say 
In  what  place  he  had  stowed  it  all  away. 
Though  Reynard  found  it  hard  his  joy   to 

hide, 

Still  in  desponding  accents  he  replied  ; 
"  Why  should  I  tell  this  secret  to  my  Lord, 
Who  dooms  my  death  and   ever  doubts   my 

word  ? 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


31 


In  Traitors  he  prefers  his  trust  to  place, 
Whose  triumph  is  achieved  in  my  disgrace." 
"  Nay,"  said  the  Queen,  impatient ;   "  nay, 

not  so ! 

His  vengeance  just  my  Lord  may  yet  forego, 
The  past  he  may  forgive,  may  e'en  forget; 
And  you  may  live  a  life  of  credit  yet ; 
Could  he  but  have  some  certain  pledge,  that 

you 

Would  for  the  future  loyal  prove  and  true." 
"  Ah  gracious  Queen  !  "  the   wily   Fox  re- 
plies, 

"  Let  me  find  favor  in  King  Noble's  eyes  ;     . 
Through  your  mild  influence  let  me  pardoned 

be, 

And  hence  depart  in  life  and  member  free ; 
Amply  will  I  atone  for  all  my  crimes  ; 
Nor  King  nor  Kaiser  lives  of  modern  times 
Can  truly  boast  one  half  the  wealth  to  own, 
Which   I   will    lay    before    my    Sov'reign's 

throne." 
"Believe  him  not!"  the  angry  Monarch 

cries  ; 

"  Whose  lips  ne'er  open  but  to  utter  lies. 
If  he  would   teach  you   how    to    cheat    or 

thieve, 

His  words  you  then  might  readily  believe." 
And  the  Queen  said — "  Let  not  my  Lord  be 

wroth  : 
Though   Reynard's   life    ill  augurs   for    his 

truth ; 

Yet  surely  this  time  hath  he  spoken  sooth. 
His  Father  and  his  Uncle  hath  he  not 
Shown  to  have  shared  in  that  accursed  plot  ? 
He  might  have  sure  devised  some  stratagem, 
While  blaming  others,  to  exon'rate  them. 
And  if  he  do  speak  truth,  how  great  a  prize 
We  lose,  if  now  with  him  his  secret  dies." 
Awhile  the  Monarch  paused,  immersed  in 

thought, 
In  his  soul's   depths  as  though   he  counsel 

sought. 
Then  answered — "  If  you  think  'twere  better 

so, 
Nor  deem  that  ill  from  such    a   course  may 

flow, 

I  may  pursue  the  bent  of  my  own  mind, 
To  mercy  more  than  vengeance  still  inclin'd. 
The  Culprit  I  will  pardon,  and  restore, 
As  a  new  man,  to  all  he  held  before. 
This  time  I  trust  him — let  him  though   take 

heed — 
This  time  I  trust  him,  for  the  last  indeed ; 


For  by  my  Father's  crown  I  make  a  vow, 
If  with  false  tidings  he  deceive  me  now, 
On  all  who  claim  his  kin,  where'er  they  be, 
My  wrath  shall  fall,  e'en  to  the  tenth  degree, 
In  torture  shall  they  perish  utterly. " 

Seeing  the  King  so  easily  was  sway'd, 
Reynard   took  heart   and   spake   out   undis- 

may'd : 

"  To  lie  now  were  most  criminal',  no  doubt ; 
When  I  should  be  so  speedily  found  out." 
Thus  the  sly  Knave    the    Royal    pardon 

won, 

Both  for  his  Father's  treason  and  his  own. 
Freed  from  the  gallows  and  his  Enemies, 
Great  was   his  joy  nor  less  was  their  sur- 
prise. 
"  Noblest  of  Kings  ! "  he  cried,  "  and  best 

of  Lords ! 

My  gratitude  is  all  too  vast  for  words. 
But  the  warm  thanks  of  this  poor  heart  are 

given 
To  you,   and   your  august   Spouse,  next   to 

Heaven. 
My  life  You  spare ;  my  wealth  is  but  Your 

due ; 

For  life  and  wealth  alike  belong  to  You. 
The  favors  heaped  on  my  unworthy  self 
Far,  far  outweigh  all  thoughts  of  paltry  pelf. 
To  You  as  a  free  gift  I  now  make  o'er 
The  whole  of  good  King  Emmerick's  mighty 

store. 

Then  listen,  Sire,  while  I  its  hiding  place 
By  certain  signs  enable  you  to  trace. 

"  Now  mark  me !  Far  in  Flanders,  to  the 

east, 

There  lies  a  wild  inhospitable  waste ; 
There  grows  a  single  copse  named  Husterlow, 
Near  it  the  waters  of  a  fountain  flow, 
Called   Krekelburn ;  these  names   remember 

well; 
Why  they're  so  called  is   more   than   I   can 

tell. 

It  is  a  savage  and  romantic  scene, 
Where   foot   of   Beast   hath   ne'er  or  rarely 

been  ; 

There  dwell  alone  the  Owl,  the  Bat,  the  Jay  ; 
And  there  it  was  I  stow'd  my  wealth  away. 
Remember,  Sire,  close  each  to  each  they  lie, 
The  copse,  and  the  spring  Krekelburn  hard 

fey. 

Yourself  and  Royal  Spouse  had  best  go  there, 

It  were  not  safe  to  send  a  Messenger ; 

'T  were  far  too  great  a  risk  to  trust  a  Stranger ; 


32 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  with  the  truest  Friend   not  much  less  |  Of  either  Krekelburn  or  Husterlow  ; 


danger. 

Now  further  mark  my  words  :    at  Krekelburn 
Sharp  to  the  left  you  take  a  sudden  turn ; 
A  stone's  throw  off  two  birches  shall  you  see, 
Their  pensile  branches  drooping  gracefully. 
Directly  up  to  these  then  must  you  go  ; 
There  delve    forthwith ;    the    treasure    lies 

below. 

At  first  but  moss  you'll  find  about  the  roots, 
But   soon   your   toil    will   meet   with   richer 

fruits ; 
Heaps   of  red   gold    you'll   find ;    in    ingots 

part, — 

Part  fabricated  by  the  Goldsmith's  art; 
Among   it   will   be   seen    King    Emmerick's 

crown, 

Which  silly  Bruin  hoped  to  call  his  own  ; 
And  many  a  costly  chain  and  jewel  rare, 
Far  more  than  I  can  reckon  up,  are  there. 
Then,  gracious  Sire !  when  all  this  wealth  You 

see, 
Will  You  not  think  with  kindness  on  poor 

Me? 

'  That  honest  Fox  ! '  methinks  I  hear  You  say, 
'  With  so  much  skill  to  store  his  wealth  away  ! 
'  My  blessing  be  upon  him  day  and  night ! '  " 
Thus  Reynard  spake,  the  wily  Hypocrite. 
And  the  King  answered  :   li  You  must  with 

me  go, 

Or  ne'er  shall  I  find  out  this  Husterlow? 
Of  Lubeck  and  Cologne  I've  oft  heard  tell, 
Of  Paris  also  and  Aix-la-Chapelle ; 
But  never  yet  of  Husterlow  before, 
Or  Krekelburn,  until  this  very  hour. 
How  may  I  know  that  this  is  not  again 
A  pure  invention  of  your  subtle  brain  ?  " 
Rejoined  the  Fox,  with  brazen  face, 
"  My  Lord,  I  send  thee  not  to  trace 
The  weary  way  to  foreign  strand, 
The  place  lies  here  in  Flemish  land, 
It  is  enough  to  drive  one  to  despair, 
To  find  one's  word  so  doubted  every  where ! 
Haply  there  may  be  some  one  here  jn  Court 
Who  may  avouch  the  truth  of  my  report." 
He  looked  around  and  call'd  the  Hare, — 

who  came — 

A  timid  terror  trembling  through  his  frame. 
"Come    hither,   Master  Puss!"    the  Fox 

began ; 
"  Hold   up  your  head,  and  look,  Sir,  like  a 

man! 
The  King  desires  to  learn  if  aught  you  know 


Speak  truly  now,  on  your  allegiance  oatb." 
And  the  Hare  answered — "  Sire  !  I   know 

them  both. 

Far  off  in  Flanders  in  the  waste  they  lie, 
Husterlow  first,  and  Krekelburn  close  by : 
Husterlow  is  the  name  they  give  a  copse, 
Where   crookback   Simon   had    his   working 

shops ; 

He  coined  false  money ;  that  was  years  ago. 
It  is  a  dreary  spot,  as  well  I  know  ; 
From  cold   and  hunger  there   I've   suffered 

much, 

When  flying  from  the  cruel  Beagles'  clutch." 
'•  Enough,"  cried  Reynard,  "thou  canst  go, 
The  King  has  heard  what  he  would  know.'' 
Then  Noble  spoke  once  more ; 
"  Reynard,  forget  my  hasty  speech, 
But  now  at  once  set  out  and  teach 
The  way  to  this  thy  store." 
Quoth  Reynard  "  Gladly  would  I  go 
With  thee,  at  once  the  path  to  show  ; 
But  ah  !  a  deadly  sin  't  would  be, 
To  take  me  in  this  company, 
The  cause  with  shame  I  tell ! 

"  How   Isegrim  turned    Monk,   Sire,   you 

have  heard ; 

'Twas  more  to  serve  his  belly,  than  the  Lord. 
Soon  were  his  Brethren  weary  of  his  tricks  ; 
Almost  starved  out;  he  ate  enough  for  six; 
For  flesh  on  fast  days  would  he  rave  and  howl. 
And  caring  nothing  for  his  wretched  soul, 
At  last,  one  afternoon,  about  Mid-Lent, 
He  sent  for  me,  and  straight  to  him  I  went : 
And  I  must  needs  confess  that  I  was   stag- 
ger'd 

To  see   him  look   so   sadly   gaunt  and  hag- 
gard. 

He  thus  entreated  me,  with  tearful  eyes, 
By  all  our  loves,  by  all  our  kindred  ties ; 
'  Get  me  some  food,  or  I  shall  die  of  famine  ! 
•  Sweet  Coz,  you   see  the   wretched   plight  I 

am  in.' 

My  heart  was  softened  ;  for  he  is  my  kin  ; 
And  in  my  weakness  I  committed  sin  : 
To  the   next   town   I   hied   and   stole   some 

meat ; 

Placed  it  before  the  Wolf,  and  he  did  eat. 
But  for  my  goodness  ill  was  I  repaid, 
By  this  vile  Judas  (reach' rously  betray'd. 
And  I,  for  this  offence,  more  heinous  than 
All  my  past  crimes,  lie  'neath  the  Church's 
ban. 


j.  MTJGorriN.se 


KEYHARD  THE  FOX. 


GEBBiE  &CO. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


33 


But  now  I  have  escaped  my  threatened  doom, 
I  thought,  with  Your  kind  leave,  to  wend  to 

Rome  ; 

By  penitence  and  alms  I  there  might  hope 
To  purchase  absolution  of  the  Pope  ; 
Thence,  having  kissed  his  Holiness' s  toe, 
I  purposed  to  Jerusalem  to  go  ; 
With  cockle  hat  and  staff  and  sandal  shoon  ; 
Why   should  a   Fox    not   take    a    Palmer's 

tone? 
Returned,  from  all  sins  purged,  I  might  with 

pride 
Then  take  my  place,  Sire,   at  Your  honored 

side. 

But  if  perchance  I  ventured  this  to-day, 
Would  not  the  pious  Scandal-mongers  say  ; 
•*  Lo !   how  the  King  seeks  Reynard's  com- 
pany, 

4  Whom  he  so  lately  had  condemned  to  die  ; 
•'  And  he  still  excommunicated  too  ! ' 
But  judge  You,  Sire,  what  may  be  best  to  do." 
"  Heav'ns  ! ''  cried  the  King,  "  how  should 

I  know  all  this? 

It  were  a  sin  to  keep  you  here,  I  wis  ; 
The  Hare,  or  some  one   else,   can   show  the 

way : 

You  have  Our  leave  to  go  without  delay. 
For  worlds  I'  d  not  your  pilgrimage  prevent ; 
:Since  I  believe  you  truly  penitent. 
May  Heaven,  which  alone  your  heart  can  read, 
Prosper  your    purpose    and    your  journey 


CHAPTER  THE  SIXTH. 

THE    RELAPSE. 

THUS  Reynard  gained  once  more  his  Sov'  reign's 

grace  : 

Who  slowly  mounting  up  to  his  high  place, 
Prepared  t'   address   the   meeting   from   his 

throne  ; 

Bade  them  be  silent  all,  and  all  sit  down, 
After  their  rank,  ranged  on  the  verdant  sward ; 
On  either  hand  drew  up  the  Royal  Guard  ; 
At  the  Queen's  side  th'  undaunted  Reynard 

stood ; 
And  thus  the  Monarch  spake  in  thoughtful 

mood : 

"  Be  still  and  listen,  all  ye  Beasts  and  Birds, 
Both  small  and  great,  hear  and  attend  Our 

words  ! 
Here,  in  Our  mercy,  see  where  Reynard  stands, 

VOL.  IV. — w.  H. 


Late  doomed  to  suffer  by  the  Hangman's  hands. 

But  now  for  certain  reasons,  grave  and  high, 

Touching  Ourself,  Our  crown  and  dignity, 

And,  at  the  intercession  of  Our  Queen, 

Restored  to  grace  and  favor  hath  he  been  ; 

And  free  We  here  pronounce  him,  from  this 
date, 

In  life  and  limb,  in  person  and  estate. 

In  Our  protection  him  and  his  We  take, 

Desiring  they  be  honored,  for  our  sake  : 

And  furthermore,  it  is  Our  Royal  will, 

Henceforth  of  him  none  dare  to  utter  ill ; 

Convinced,  as  We  his  former  faults  forgive, 

In  future  he  a  better  life  will  live. 

To-morrow  will  he  leave  his  hearth  and  home, 

And  start  upon  a  pilgrimage  for  Rome  ; 

Thence  will  he  make,  as  he  doth  now  aver, 

A  journey  to  the  Holy  Sepulchre  ; 

And  then   return,   his    sins    confessed    and 
shriven, 

Completely  reconciled  to  Us  and  Heaven." 
He  ceased.    The  Cat,  in  anger  and  despair, 

Sought  out  his  dear  Allies,  the  Wolf  and  Bear : 

"Our  labor's  lost;"   he  cried,  "ah!  well-a- 
day, 

The  very  Devil  is  there  here  to  pay  ! 

From  this   curst  place    would    I    were   safe 
away  ! 

If  Reynard  once  get  power,  be  sure  that  he 

His  fierce  revenge  will  wreak  on  all  us  three. 

Of  my  right  eye  already  am  I  reft ; 

Alas  !  the  other  will  not  long  be  left." 

"Woe's  me  !  what  shall  we  do  ?"  exclaimed 
the  Bear. 

"Let  us,"  said  Is'grim,  "to  the  Throne  re- 
pair ! 

Sure  't  is  the  strangest  thing  that  e'er  was 
seen  !  " 

Forthwith  they  knelt  before  the  King  and 
Queen  : 

For  justice  loud  they  spoke,  or  rather  stam- 
mered ; 

For  justice,  inarticulately  clamored. 

But  angrily  the  King  broke  forth  : — "  My 
Lords ! 

Either  you  did  not  hear,  or  mark  my  words. 

It  is  my  pleasure  Reynard  to  forgive ; 

It  is  a  branch  of  my  prerogative  ; 

For  is  it  not  to  every  Schoolboy  known, 

Mercy's  the  brightest  jewel  of  the  Crown?" 
His  mighty  wrath  had  now  to  fury  risen  ; 

He  bade  them  both  be  seized   and  cast  in 
prison ; 

3 


34 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Deeming  they  still  might  plot,  if  left  at  large, 
The  treasons,  laid  by  Reynard  to  their  charge. 
The  Fox  was  now  well  paid  for  all  his  pains ; 
Himself  in  favor,  and  his  Foes  in  chains : 
Nay  more — he  from  the  King  contrived  to 

win 

The  grant  of  a  square-foot  of  Bruin's  skin  ; 
He  vowed — and  never  could  enough  extol  it — 
It  was  the  very  thing  to  make  a  wallet. 

Thus  was  he  for  his  pilgrim-journey  suited ; 
But  liking  not  to  make  it  quite  bare-footed, 
He  sued  the  Queen;    "  May 't  please  your 

Majesty, 

Your  own  devoted  Pilgrim  now  am  I ; 
The  road  I  have  to  go  is  rough  and  long, 
And  I  in  health  am  anything  but  strong ; 
It  greatly  would  protect  my  tender  toes, 
Saving  your  presence,  if  I  had  some  shoes. 
Now  Isegriin  the  Wolf  hath  got  two  pair ; 
Stout-built  and  strong  ;  and  one  he  well  may 

spare ; 

It  cannot  incommode  him  much  to  lose  them, 
Since  he  has  no  occasion  now  to  use  them. 
Speak  for  me,  gracious  Madam,  to  the  King, 
He  will  not  sure  deny  so  small  a  thing. 
Dame  Gieremund,  too,  cannot  be  averse 
To  let  me  have  the  loan  of  two  of  hers  ; 
As  she'll  not  see  her  Lord  some  time  to  come, 
Like  a  good  Housewife,  she  will  stay  at  home." 
The  Queen  replied,  she  thought  it  was  but 

fair 

That  each  of  them  should  let  him  have  a  pair : 
And  Reynard  thanked  her  with  his  best  of 

bows, 

Saying ;  "I  promise,  if  I  get  the  shoes, 
Your  Majesty  shall  have  my  daily  pray'is, 
That  Heaven  preserve  you  free  from  fretting 

cares ; 

Besides,  what  holy  relics  back  I  bring, 
You  shall  be  sure  to  share  them  with  the 

King." 

He  had  his  wish:  from  Isegrim's  fore  paws 
Two  shoes  they  stripped  him  off,  both  skin 

and  claws ; 

And  Gieremund,  his  next  to  widowed  Dame, 
As  to  her  hinder  feet,  they  served  the  same. 

Now  while  the  Wolf  and  Bear  together  lie 
In  prison  and  in  pain,  and  wish  to  die ; 
With  shoes  and  wallet  fitted  out,  the  Fox 
Draws   near  to  Gieremund,   whom   thus  he 

mocks ; 
"Look,  best  and  dearest  one,  these  shoes,  you 

see, 


Fit  just  as  though  they  had  been  made  for  me  f 

Though  you  have  wished  me  ill  in  days  by- 
gone, 

Such  well-timed  kindness  can  for  all  atone. 

Who  would  have  thought,  a  few  short  hours 
ago, 

To  see  me  honored  and  accoutred  so  ? 

But  Fortune's  wheel  is  ever  on  the  move  ; 

And   what    is   now   depressed   soon   mounts 
above. 

Act  on  this  maxim,  and  you  baffle  Fate ; 

Hope,  when  in  trouble ;  fear,  when  fortunate. 

Whene'er  to  Rome  I  get,  or  cross  the  sea, 

My  heart  untravelled  with  my  Friends  will  be ; 

And  you  the  largest  portion  shall  obtain 

Of  those  Indulgences  I  hope  to  gain." 

Poor  Gieremund  meanwhile  in  torture  lay, 

And  scarce  could  muster  strength  enough  to 
say; 

"This  hour  is  thine,  and  we  must  needs  sub- 
mit ; 

But  there  may  come  a  day  of  reck'ning  yet." 
Thus  Isegrim  and  Bruin  both  remained 

Wounded,    disgraced,    imprisoned    and    en- 
chained ; 

And  Reynard's  triumph  seemed  complete  to 
be;— 

Although   he   grieved   that   Tybalt  still  was 

free. 
When  morning  came,  the  Hypocrite  arose, 

And  first  he  greased,  and  then  he  donned  his 
shoes ; 

Next  to  the  Royal  levee  hastening, 

To  make  his  cong£,  thus  addressed  the  King ; 
"  Your   Servant,  Sire,  your  notice    would 
engage 

Ere  he  sets  out  on  his  long  pilgrimage. 

Sad  is  my  lot:  the  Church's  ban   hangs  o'er 
me, 

A  dreary,  dang' rous  journey  lies  before  me  : 

'  T  would  give  me  hope,   and   confidence   of 
heart 

To  have  your  Chaplain's  blessing  ere  I  start; 

Success  would  then  my  onward  steps  attend, 

And  bring  my  travels  to  a  happy  end." 
Now  Noble's  private  Chaplain  was  the  Ram  ; 

A  gentle  Brute,  and  Bellyn  was  his  name  ; 

The  King,  who  of  his  services  was  chary, 

Employed  him  also  as  his  Secretary. 

Him  now  he  bade  come   forth,  and  thus  ad- 
dress'd  ; 

"Speak    over    Reynard, — 't   is  his  own  re- 
quest,— 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


35 


Some     holy    words,    his     deep    remorse    t' 

assuage, 

And  cheer  him  on  his  lonely  pilgrimage ; 
lie  goes,  you  know,  to  Rome  ;  then  o'er  the 

sea; 

And  by  your  blessing  sanctified  would  be  ; 
Then,  having  hung  his  wallet  by  his  side, 
Give  him  a  Palmer's  staff  his  steps  to  guide." 
And  Bellyn  answered  thus;  "  My  gracious 

Lord, 

What  Reynard  has  avowed  you  surely  heard ; 
He  owns  he  still  is  excommunicate ; 
And  truly  I  lament  his  wretched  state  ; 
But  should  I  do  the  thing  you  now  require, 
I  might  incur  my  worthy  Bishop's  ire  ; 
The  matter  easily  might  reach  his  ear ; 
And  he  could  punish  me,  and  would,  I  fear. 
To  Reynard,  certes,  I  wish  nothing  ill ; 
And   gladly  would  perform  my  Sov' reign's 

will; 

For  this,  all  things  in  reason  would  I  venture, 
Could  I  be  sure  to  'scape   my   Bishop's  cen- 
sure : 

But  the  good  Prelate  is  an  awful  Man, 
And  such  a  strict  Disciplinarian  ; 
Besides,  there  are  th'   Archdeacon   and   the 

Dean" — 

The  King  no  longer  could  contain  his  spleen, — 
"What,"  he  exclaimed,  "boots  all  this  idle 

prate  ? 

I  asked  for  deeds,  not  words,  Sir  Woolypate." 
And  then  he  swore,  and  loudly,  at  the  Ram, 
laying,  "Are  you  aware,  Sir,  who  I  am  ? 
Nor  Priest  nor  Pope  shall  in  my  realm  have 

sway  ; 

I  look  My  Subjects  shall  their  King  obey. 
And  whether  you  wish  Reynard  well  or  ill 
Can  have  no  influence  on  My  Royal  will. 
It  is  my  pleasure  he  should  go  to  Rome ; 
May  be  'tis  yours  he  should  remain  at  home." 
Astounded  by  the  Monarch's  stern  reproof, 
The  poor  Ram  trembled  to  his  very  hoof; 
And  straight  he  took  his  book  and  'gan  to 

read 

A  blessing  over  Reynard's  sinful  head ; 
But  little  did  that  Wretch  attend  to  it, 
Or  little  care  about  the  benefit. 

The  blessing  o'er,  they  bring  his  scrip  and 

staff; 
How  in   his   sleeve   doth   the   false   Pilgrim 

laugh  ; 
While  down  his  cheeks  dissembling  tear-drops 

course, 


As   though  his   heart  were   melting  with  re- 
morse. 

And  in  good  sooth  he  did  feel  some  regret, 
That  Tybalt  was  not  in  his  power  yet  : 
He  wished  to  cage  him  with  the  other  Three, 
Whom  he  had  brought  to  such  extremity. 
He  begged  them  all,  and  chiefly  Isegrim, 
That  they  would  pardon  and  would  pray  for 

him ; 
Then,  with   some   fear  still   ling' ring  at  his 

heart, 
Lest    he    might    be    detained,    prepared   to 

start. 

And  Noble,  King  of  Beasts,  much  edified 
To  see  such  symptoms  of  repentance,  cried  ; 
"  Say,  my  good  Reynard,  prithee,  why  such 

haste  ? 

Some  few  hours  with  your  Friends  you  sure 
may  waste." 


"  Nay,  my    kind    Lord,"    said  that   false- 
hearted Loon, 

"A  good  work  ne'er  can  be  commenced  too 
soon. 

Dismiss   me,   Sire ;    th'    important    hour   is 
come, 

Big  with  the  fate    that    Reynard    leads     to 

Rome." 
The  Monarch,  taken  in  by  Reynard's  art, 

Gave  him  his  gracious  license  to  depart ; 

And  bade  th'  assembled  Barons  of  his  Court 

The  Pilgrim  a  short  distance  to  escort. 

The    Wolf    and   Bear  'scaped   this   humilia- 
tion ; 


KEYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  from  their  fetters  forged   some    conso- 
lation. 

To  the  King's  favor  quite  restored  again, 
Reynard  sets  forth  with  all  that  lordly  train, 
Upon  his  pious  journey  to  be  shriven, — 
Much  the   same   road   that   Lawyers  go   to 

Heaven ; — 
Pleased  to  have  brought  the  King  to  such  a 

pass, 

Led  by  the  nose  as  easy  as  an  Ass. 
Honored  was  he  and  waited  on  by  those 
Who  even  now  had  been  his  bitter  Foes. 
Nor  could  he  yet  let  his  old  tricks  alone ; 
But  turning  back  he  knelt  before  the  Throne, 
Kissed  the  King's   hand,  and   cried; — "Ah, 

dearest  Lord  ! 
Vouchsafe    to   let     me    speak    one    parting 

word: 

Remember  what  great  int' rests  are  at  stake, 
And  of  those  Traitors  an  example  make : 
Some  acts  of  mercy  Reason  will  condemn  ; 
Your  People  suffer,  if  You  pardon  them." 
And    then    with  downcast  look   away  he 

went, 
And  all  the  bearing  of  a  Penitent. 

The    King   broke    up    his   Court  without, 

delay ; 

Then  to  his  royal  palace  took  his  way : 
And  those  who,  to  their  shame,  and  Reynard's 

pride, 

His  progress  had  some  way  accompanied, 
Now   took   their  leave  and    hastened   to  de- 
part. 

Meanwhile  the  Rogue  so  well  had  plied  his  art, 
Insisting  on  the  blessings  of  repentance, 
He'd  softened  not  a  few  of  his  Attendants ; 
And  specially  the  tender-hearted  Hare 
From  sympathetic  tears  could  not  forbear. 
Him  now  the  cunning  Fox  accosted  thus ; 
"  And  must  we  part  indeed,  dear  Cousin  Puss? 
If  you  and  Bellyn  could  persuaded  be 
A  little  further  yet  to  go  with  me, 
'T  would  be  an  act  of  kindness  on  your  part, 
And  comfort  much  my  poor  afflicted  heart. 
How  greatly  to  my  credit  'twill  redound 
If  I  in  such  society  am  found  j 
Pleasant  Companions  are  ye  both,  I  ken, 
And,  what's  far  better,  honest,  gentlemen  ; 
Ne'er  doing  wrong,  you  others'  wrongs  for- 
give, 

And,  as  I  lately  did,  you  always  live, 
Of  grass  and  herbs  and  leaves  you  make  your 
food, 


And  never  soil  your    guiltless    teeth    with 

blood ; 

Hence  are  your  consciences  serene  and  quiet  :— 
Such  Good  results  from  vegetable  diet." 
And  thus  into  the  snare  he  laid  they  fell : 
A  little  flattery  sometimes  does  well. 
To  Malepartus,  journeying  on,  they  came ; 
When  thus  the   wily  Fox  addressed  the  silly 

Ram ; 

"  Dear  Bellyn,  will  you  tarry  here  a  little? 
You   must,  by  this  time,   surely  want  some 

victual ; 

And  hereabouts  you'll  find  enough  to  eat ; 
The  herbage  is  particularly  sweet, 
In  fact  we  rather  of  our  pastures  vaunt; 
I'll  just  take  Pussy  in  to  see  his  Aunt ; — 
Poor  Soul !  she  sits  alone  disconsolate, 
And  mourning  over  my  unhappy  fate  ; 
And  when  she  hears  that  I  to  Rome  must  go, 
'Twill  cause  her  quite  an  ecstacy  of  woe. 
Pussy,  I  know,  for  his  dear  Uncle's  sake, 
Will  to  his  Aunt  the  sad  news  gently  break." 

And  thus,  to  carry  out  his  own  vile  ends, 
The  Fox  contrived  to  separate  the  Friends. 
Puss  entered  with  him  ;  when — omen  of  ill ! 
His  footsteps  stumbled  on  the  very  sill ; 
But  Reynard  smiled,  and  they  passed  onward, 

where 

His  vixen  Wife  and  cubby  Children  were. 
How  Ermelyne  rejoiced  to  see  her  Lord 
In  safety  to  her  longing  arms  restored  ! 
She'd  suffered  much  anxiety  and  pain, 
Lest  by  his  wrathful  Foes  he  should  be  slain, 
Or  a  close  pris'ner  for  his  life  remain, 
And  seeing  him  decked  out  with  scrip  and 

staff, 

She  scarce  knew  whether  first  to  cry  or  laugh, 
So  great  her  joy  and  wonder:  thus  she  spoke  : 
"  Reynie,  my  Love;  my  heart  had  almost 

broke ; 
How   glad  lam  you're  come!     Where  have 

you  been? 

And  what  doess\\  this  masquerading  mean  ?  " 
And  thus  the   Fox  replied — "Ah,   dearest 

Wife! 

But  narrowly  have  I  escaped  with  life  : 
My  Foes  were  powerful,  and  I  was  weak ; 
I  had  the  halter  round  my  very  neck ; 
But  our  good  King,  with  that  peculiar  sense 
That  marks  all  Sov' reigns,  saw  my  innocence  ; 
And,  as  a  testimonial  to  my  worth, 
In  pious  Palmer's  weeds  has  sent  me  forth  ; 
My  character  without  the  slightest  stain  ; 


REYNARD  TI1E  FOX. 


37 


The  Wolf  and  the  Bear  as  Hostages  remain; 

And  master  Puss,  you  see,  has  by  the  King 

Been  giv'n  to  me  as  a  peace-offering : 

For   the   King  said, — 'Reynard,  you  see  that 
Hare. 

'  Yon  trembling  Coward,  who   stands  crouch- 
ing there ; 

'  That  is  the  wretch  by  whom  you'  ve  been  be- 
tray'd,' 

And  for  his  treason  he  shall  now  be  paid." 
Puss  heard   these  threat'ning  words  with 
mortal  fear ; 

They  seemed  to  ring  a  death-knell  in  his  ear ; 

Confused  and  scared  he  strove  in  haste  to  fly, 

But  Reynard  darted  on  him  viciously, 

And    clutched    him    by   the   throat;     Puss 
shrieked  amain, 

"Help,  Bellyn,  help!"  he  cried,  and  cried 
again, 

"  Help !     or   by    this    false    Pilgrim  I  am 

slain." 

But  long  he  did  not  cry:    for  Reynard's 
teeth 

Soon  cut    his    windpipe,    and    let    out    his 
breath. 


Thus  did  this  cursed  and  incarnate  Fiend 
Betray  and  murder  his  too-trusting  Friend. 
"Come  now,"  he  said,  "to  supper  let  us 

haste  ; 

Our  Friend  is  fat  and  delicate  to  taste  ; 
The  Simpleton  was  ne'er  of  use  before  ; 
To  make  him  so  long  time  ago  I  swore. 
He  wished   to  wound,  but    was    afraid    to 
strike ; 


So  perish  every  one  who  does  the  like !  " 

Then  the  whole  Family  sat  down  to  sup  ; 
The  Hare  was  skinned  and  shared  and  eaten 

up: 

The  Vixen  greatly  the  repast  enjoyed, 
And   oft   exclaimed,    as  with   the  bones  she 

toyed  ; 
"  Heaven  bless  the   King  and   Queen  !    how 

good  they  are, 
To  cater  for  us  such  delicious  fare." 

"For  this   time,"  said  the  Fox,   "it  may 

suffice ; 

I  hope  ere  long  a  nobler  sacrifice  ; 
That  I  may  let  the  whole  world  plainly  see, 
None  injures  Reynard  with  impunity." 

Quoth  Ermelyne — "  Dear  Lord,  I   prithee 

tell, 

How  you  have  got  away  so  safe  and  well.'' 
" 'T  would   take,'1  said  he,    "full  many  a 

weary  hour 
To    show    how   I  escaped  the   Law's    grim 

pow'r  ; 

T'  explain  the  tricks,  I  played  my  Enemies, 
And  how  I  dammed — with  dust- King  Noblo's 

eyes. 
In    sooth   the  bonds   that   now  our    hearts 

unite, 
Though  we  are   sworn    as    Lieges,  are    but 

slight ; 
And  when   the  truth   shall  break   upon  his 

mind, 

Within  no  bounds  his  rage  will  be  confin'd. 
Me  if  again  within  his  power  he  hold 
No  wealth  can  save  of  silver  or  of  gold  ; 
No  chance  of  mercy  left,  my  fate  will  be 
To  hang  like  fruit,  upon  the  gallows  tree. 

"  Let  us,  dear  Love,  at  once  to  Swabia  fly; 
Unknown  by  all,  perdue  we  there  may  lie  ; 
A  safe  asylum  we  are  sure  to  find, 
And  heaps  of  provender  of  every  kind  ; 
Fowls,  geese,  hares,  rabbits ;    butter,  cheese, 

and  cream  ; 

Birds  in  the  air  and  fishes  in  the  stream. 
There  far  from  faithless  Friends  and  furious 

Foes 

Our  life  will  ebb  in  leisure  and  repose  ; 
In  charity  with  all  we'll  pass  our  days, 
And  bring  our  Children  up  in  Virtue's  ways. 
"  For,    dearest   Chuck,    to   speak   without 

disguise, 

I've  told  a  most  infernal  pack  of  lies  : 
A    tale    I    forged    about    King    Emmerick's 

store ; 


38 


KEYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  that 't  was  hid  at  Krekelburn  I  swore. 
If  they  go  thither,  as  they  will  no  doubt, 
They   soon   must   find   the   whole   deception 

out; 

And  when  't  is  all  discovered,  you  may  form 
Some  faint  idea  of  how  the  King  will  storm, 
How  he  will  swear ;  what  vengeance  he  will 

vow  ; 
And  sure  I  feel  that  what  he  swears,  he  11 

do. 
You   may   suppose   what    fibs    I   told,   dear 

Wife ; 

Ne'er  was  I  so  put  to  it  in  my  life ; 
Again  to  lie  were  not  the  slightest  use, 
And  therefore  would  admit  of  110  excuse. 
"  But  happen  now  what  may,  one  thing  is 

plain ; 

Nothing  shall  tempt  me  back  to  Court  again  : 
Not  for  the  wide  world's  wealth,  from  north 

to  south, 

I'd  thrust  my  head  into  the  Lion's  mouth." 
Him   answered    thus    the   sorrowing    Er- 

inelyne ; 
"  And  why  should  we  be  Outcasts,  Husband 

mine  ? 

Why  should  we  leave  our  comfortable  home, 
Abroad,  like  Rogues  and  Vagabonds,  to  roam  ? 
Here  known  by  all,  by  all  respected,  too, 
Your  friends  are  faithful  and  your  Vassals 

true ; 

And  certainties  against  uncertainties 
To  change,  is  neither  provident  nor  wise. 
Against  our  will  we  cannot  hence  be  torn  ; 
Our  stronghold  here  might  laugh  a  siege  to 

scorn. 

Let  the  King  hither  come  with  all  his  Host : 
He'll  have  his  journey  for  his  pains  at  most. 
Of  our  escape  I  entertain  no  doubt; 
So  many  ways  we  have  of  getting  out. 
The    King  is  strong  and   we  are  weak  ;  but 

yet 

We  to  his  pow'r  can  well  oppose  our  wit. 
For  this  I  have  no  fears :  but  for  your  vow 
To  undertake  a  pilgrimage  just  now, 
That  chills  my  heart  with  icy  fears  I  own : 
What  can  T  do,  left  friendless  and  alone?1' 
To  her  thus  Reynard  ;  "  Sweet,  you   have 

prevailed ; 

'T  was  but  a  moment  that  my  courage  failed : 
His  threats  are  idle,  and  my  fears  are  vain  ; 
Shadows  avaunt !   Reynard's  himself  again  ! 
As  for  my  vow — better  to  be  forsworn, 
Than  live  the  wretched  finger-mark  of  scorn  : 


Vows,  when  compulsory,  bind  not  the  least  ; 
I've   heard  that  doctrine  taught  by  many  a 

Priest : 

For  my  part,  it  may  to  the  devil  go  ; — 
I  speak  not  of  the  doctrine,  but  my  vow. 

"  So  be  it  as  you  wish.     I  stay  at  home  ; 
For  what  on  earth  have  I  to  do  at  Rome  ? 
And  for  my  promised  journey  to  Jerusalem,. 
I  only  named  the  project  to  bamboozle  'em ; 
Nor  if,  instead  of  the  one  oath  I  swore, 
I'd  sworn  a  dozen,  would  I  go  the  more. 
With  you  and  my  dear  Children  will  I  stay, 
And  get  out  of  my  scrape  as  best  I  may. 
And  though  the  King  should  have  me  in  his 

clutch, 

Perchance  it  may  not  help  him  over-much  ; 
I  may  succeed,  as  I  have  done  ere  now. 
To  fit  a  Fool's  cap  on  his  Royal  brow : 
At  least  I'll  try  :  the  vow  I  freely  make, 
I  dare  be  sworn,  I  think,  I  shall  not  break." 
Bellyn  meanwhile  had  all  impatient  grown  ; 
Had  ate  his  fill,  and  wanted  to  be  gone  ; 
"  Puss!  are  you  ready?  It  is  getting  late." 
Thus  he  calls  out  at  Malepartus'  gate  ; 
And  softly  at  the  first,  then  louder  knocks  : 
When  to  the  door  proceeds  the  wily  Fox, 
And   says — "  You   must   excuse    our  cousin 

Puss ; 

You  can  return ;  he'll  pass  the  night  with  us." 
"  Methought,"  replied  the  Ram,  "I  heard 

him  cry, 

'  Help  !  Bellyn,  help  !  oh,  help  me  or  I  die  ! ' 
I  trust  no  ill  could  here  my  Coz  befall." 
"I  thought,"  said  Reynard,  "You'd  have 

heard  him  call ; 

For  in  good  sooth  he  made  a  mighty  din  ; 
I'll  tell  you  how  it  happened — just  step  in." 
But  Bellyn's  heart  was  not  quite  free  from 

fear; 
So  he  said,  "Thank  ye  ;  I  am  better  here." 

Then  wily  Reynard  answered  ;  "Very  well ! 
You  shall  hear  how  the  accident  befell. 
I  had  just  told  my  wife  about  my  vow — 
My  promised  pilgrimage  to  Rome,  you  know — 
When  she,  alas  !  good  soul,  was  so  cast  down, 
That  with  the  shock  she  fell  into  a  swoon. 
Our  simple  Friend,  alarmed,  began  to  cry, 
Help  !  Bellyn,  help  ! — help,  or  my  Aunt  will 

die.' " 

"  Certes,"  said  Bellyn,  "  he  did  loudly  call." 
'  He  did,"  quoth  Reynard.     "  Now  I've  told 

you  all. 
As  for  my  inj'ring  him  ;"  the  False  One  said  ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


39 


"  I  could  not  hurt  a  hair  of  that  dear  head. 
I  would  be  torn  to  pieces,  limb  by  limb, 
Sooner  than  even  think  of  harming  him. 
"And  now,"  quoth  he,  "to  bus'ness.   Yes- 
terday, 

The  King  desired  me,  as  I  came  away, 
That  I,  by  letter,  should  communicate 
My  thoughts  on  certain  grave  affairs  of  State. 
This  letter,  with  some  other  papers  too, 
I  beg  you'll  carry  back  to  Court  with  you. 
I've  giv'n  the  King  some  excellent  advice, 
Which,  though  I  say  it,  is  beyond  all  price. 
While  Puss  was  resting  from  his  weary  jaunt, 
And  talking  old  times  over  with  his  Aunt, 
I  just  contrived  a  spare  half  hour  to  snatch, 
And  have  drawn  up  a  masterly  despatch." 
"I  would  with  pleasure  all   your  letters 

take  ; ' ' 
Said   Bellyn,  "but   I   fear   the   seals   might 

break  ; 

And  I  a  serious  censure  should  expect, 
Having  no  pouch  the  papers  to  protect." 
"That's    true,  dear  Nephew;"    answered 

Reynard,  pat, 

"  But  we  can  very  soon  get  over  that : 
The  wallet  that  they  made  of  Bruin's  skin, 
Will  be  the  very  thing  to  put  them  in  ; 
'T  is  strong  and  thick,  and  will  the  wet  repel ; 
I've  one  within  will  suit  me  just  as  well ; 
And  doubt  not  that  your  labor  will  be  vain  ; 
Some  favor  from  the  King,  you'll  sure  obtain." 

The  silly  Ram  believed  all  Reynard  said  ; 
Then  back  into  his  house  the  Sly  One  sped, 
And  in  his  wallet  crammed  the  poor  Hare's 

head  ; 

Next  having  thought  how  he  might  best  pre- 
vent 

The  Ram  from  finding  out  what't  was  he  sent ; 
Unto  the  door  returning,  thus  he  spake  ; 
"  Here,  Nephew,  hang  this  wallet  round  your 

neck. 

In  its  contents  I  trust  you  will  not  pry  ; 
'T  would  prove  a  fatal  curiosity. 
The  knots  in  a  peculiar  way  are  done, 
Which  only  to  the  King  and  me  are  known ; 
A  mode  that  I  invariably  use, 
Whenever  I  transmit  important  news  ; 
If  the  King  sees  the  fastenings  all  right, 
The  Messenger  finds  favor  in  his  sight. 
"  Nay  if  a  greater  merit  you  desire  ; 
And  to  preferment  in  the  church  aspire  ; 
You  have  my  fullest  leave  to  tell  the  King, 
The  letters  were  of  your  imagining  ; 


That  though  the  handy-work  by  me  was  done, 
The  whole  idea  was  yours,  and  yours  alone  ; 
So  shall  your  mental  powers  be  highly  rated, 
And  you,  no  doubt,  be  duly  elevated. 
You'll  rise  to  any  station,  that  you  wish,  up  ; 
Be    made   a    prebend    or — who    knows? — a 

bishop." 

Who  then  so  happy  as  that  silly  Ram? 
He  frisked  and  gamboled  like  a  very  lamb ; 
And  joyfully  he  cried  ;  "  Now  do  I  see 
The  love,  dear  Uncle,  that  you  bear  to  me. 
What  credit  will  not  this  adventure  bring  ! 
How  shall  I  be  respected  by  the  King ! 
That  I  such  clever  letters  should  indite — 
I,  who  was  ne'er  considered  over  bright ! 
And  all  this  pleasure  and  this  honor  too, 
I've  none  to  thank  for,  Uncle  dear,  but  you. 
No  longer  will  I  tarry.     Let  me  see  : — 
You're  sure  that  Puss  will  not  go  back   with 

me?" 

"Nay,"   answered  Reynard,    "that's    im- 
possible : 
For,  truth  to  speak,  he's  just   now   far   from 

well; 

A  cold  he's  got  has  settled  in  his  head ; 
He's  had  his  gruel  and  is  gone  to  bed  : 
His  Aunt  it  is,  this  treatment  doth  advise  ; 
She's  greatly  skilled  in  all  such  remedies. 
He'll  follow  speedily  ;  nay,  I  would  swear 
He'll  be  at  Court  as  soon  as  you  are  there." 
"  Farewell,  then  !  "  said  the  Ram,  "  no  time 

I'll  waste, 
Farewell ! "     And  off   he    started    in    great 

haste  : 
Travelled    all    night,  the    roads    not    being 

heavy, 
And   just    arrived    in    time    for  the  King's 

leve"e. 
When  the  King  saw   him   with   the  wallet 

on, 
He  motioned   him   he   should    approach  the 

Throne, 
Then  said,  while   he   held   out   his   hand   to 

kiss, 
"Bellyn,   you're    welcome   back;    but  what 

means  this  ? 

Is  that  not  Reynard's  wallet  that  you  bear  ? 
Methinks  that  I  should  know  it  any  where. 
I  trust  you  left  him  safe  and  well  in  health ; 
I  would  not  have  him  harmed   for   thrice  his 

wealth." 
And   Bellyn   said;     "Despatches,    Sire,  I 

bring 


40 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


From   Reynard    greeting    to   my    Lord    the 

King; 

To  get  them  all  complete  we  both   combin'd  ; 
And  what  he  executed,  I  design' d. 
For   though    the    handy -work    by  him  was 

done, 

The  whole  idea  was  mine,  and  mine  alone. 
He  tied  the  knots  in  a  peculiar  way, 
Which  you  would   understand,   he   bade  me 

say." 

The  King,  perplexed,  straight  for  the  Bea- 
ver sent, 

He  was  a  man  for  learning  eminent ; 
Could  read  off-hand,  and  seldom   stopped   to 

spell ; 
Knew  foreign  tongues — and  his  own  pretty 

well; 

He  acted  for  the  King  as  Notary  ; 
To  read  despatches  oft  employed  was  he  ; 
Vast  was  his  science  ;  Castor  was  his  name ; 
And  at  the  Royal  bidding  now  he  came. 
And  Tybalt  was  commanded  to  assist, 
The  fastenings  of  the  wallet  to  untwist. 
The  strings  untied,  the   pouch   was   op'd  ; 

when  lo ! 

A  sight  of  dread  and  agonizing  woe ! 
Forth  Castor  drew  the  poor    Hare's  mangled 

head  ; 
"This   call  you  a   despatch,   forsooth?"  he 

said  ; 


"  I  own  it  fairly  puzzles  my  poor  brains  ; 
Heav'n   only   knows,    for   I   don't,    what  it 

means." 
Both  King  and   Queen   were  startled  and 

distress' d  ; 


Atid   Noble's    head    sunk    down    upon    his 

breast ; 

The  only  words  he  said  distinctly  were — 
"  Oh  !  Reynard!   Reynard  !  would  I  had  you 

here ! " 

Then  long  a  stern  and  solemn  silence  kept ; 
Till,  by  degrees,  along  the  circle  crept 
Th'  astounding  tidings   that  the   King   had 

wept. 
At  length  his  grief  found  utt' ranee,  and  he 

spoke, 
While  his  strong  frame  like  to  a  Woman's 

shook ; — 
"He  has  deceived  me; — Me!  his  King  and 

Lord! 

How  could  I  trust  the  perjured  Traitor's  word  ? 
Oh !    day  of  shame !    where  shall  I  hide  my 

head? 
Disgraced!    dishonored!    would  that  I  were 

dead!" 
He  seemed  quite  frantic ;  and  the  Courtly 

Crew 
Felt  it  their  duty  to  seem  frantic  too. 

But  Leopardus,  near  the  throne  who  stood, — 
A  Prince  he  was,  and  of  the  Royal  blood — 
Thus  spake;    "My  gracious  Liege,  I  cannot 

see 
Why  You  and  our  good  Queen  thus  grieved 

should  be. 

Banish  such  gloomy  feelings,  and  take  heart ; 
Despair  was  never  yet  a  Monarch's  part. 
As  You,  Sire,  who  so  prudent  ?  who  so  strong  ? 
Remember  too,  a  King  can  do  no  wrong." 

"  Alas  !  "  cried  Noble,  "  it  is  even  so  ; 
And  this  it  is  adds  sharpness  to  my  woe. 
'Tis  not  alone  that  I  have  been  deceiv'd  ; 
For  that,  I  might' have  well  in  private  griev'd  ; 
But  that  the  Wretch,  to  gain  his  wicked  ends, 
Has  caused  me  do  injustice  to  my  Friends ; — 
Bruin  and  Is'grim,  who  in  prison  lie, 
The  Victims  of  his  cursed  villany. 
Is't  not  enough  my  soul  to  overwhelm, 
That  the  two  noblest  Barons  of  my  realm 
Should  be  so  punished,  and  for  no  offence, 
But  my  blind  trust  in  Reynard's  evidence? 
Alas !  'twas  in  an  evil  hour,  I  ween, 
I  heeded  the  persuasions  of  the  Queen ; 
She,  in  simplicity  a  very  child, 
By  his  false  tongue  was  easily  beguil'd, 
And  for  his  pardon  did  so  warmly  pray — 
I  should  have  been  more  firm — but  I  gave  way. 
Idle  is  all  regret ;  advice  too  late ; 
For  even  Kings  must  sometimes  bow  to  Fate." 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


41 


The  Leopard  answered,  "  Sire,  though  you 
know  best, 

Haply  I  may  a  useful  hint  suggest. 

Some  comfort  to  the  Wolf  and  Bear  't  would 
bring 

To  have  the  Ram  as  a  peace-offering: 

You  heard  him  boldly,  as  a  boast,  declare, 

'T  was  he   that    counselled   killing  the    poor 
Hare. 

Thus   shall  you   deal  him  forth  a   righteous 
fate, 

And  thus  the  injured  Peers  propitiate. 

Then  we  will  hunt  the  Fox  through  all  the 
land, 

And  kill  him, — if  we  catch  him, — out  of  hand ; 

For  if  he  get  but  liberty  of  speech, 

The  very  Devil  will  he  over-reach. 

In  fine,  until  that  crafty  Brute  is  slain, 

No  respite  from  our  griefs  shall  we  obtain." 
He  ceased ;  and  Noble,  King  of  Beasts,  re- 
plies ; 

"  Your  counsel  pleases  me,  as  just  and  wise. 

Hasten  and  set  th'  imprisoned  Barons  free ; 

In  honor  shall  they  take  their  state  near  me. 

Be  all  the  Council  summoned :  they  shall  learn 

How  foully  that  base  Traitor  is  forsworn  ; 

How  he  and  Bellyn  killed  the  gentle  Hare ; 

How  he  traduced  the  loyal  Wolf  and  Bear : 

And,  as  you  counsel,  Bellyn  and  his  Heirs 

For  ever  I  make  o'er  to  them  and  theirs." 
Then  Leopardus  went  without  delay 

To  where  the  Wolf  and  Bear  in  Prison  lay. 

Straight  from  their  bonds  by  hi*  commands 
released, 

In   soothing   words   the   Twain   he  thus  ad- 
dressed : 

"  Hail,  Noble  Lords  I     good   tidings,   lo,  I 
bring  I 

Full  pardon  and  free  conduct  from  the  King  '. 

By  law,  you   both   have  been   condemned  of 
treason ; 

And  law  is  the  perfection  of  all  reason  ; 

But  since  'tis  proved  you're  free  of  all  offence, 

You're  freely  pardoned,  for  your  innocence. 

And  likewise  in  some  measure  to  atone 

For  all  the  sufPrings  you  have  undergone,  , 

Bellyn  and  all  his  Tribe,  the  King  declares, 

Are  given  up  to  you  and  to  your  Heirs  : 

In   grove   or  green  whene'er  you  chance   to 
meet  them, 

You  have  full  privilege  to  kill  aud  eat  them. 

Further,  the  King  will  lend  his  royal  aid 

To  punish  him  by  whom  you've  been  betray' d  ; 


The  Fox  and  all  his  Kindred,  to  a  man, 
You've  leave  to  take  and  torture,  if  you  can. 
These  rights,  which   unto  you  the  King  doth 

yield, 

Will  all  by  his  Successors  be  upheld  ; 
And,   in   return,  you   from   your   souls   will 

cast 

All  painful  recollections  of  the  past ; 
Raised  to  your  old  estate,  afresh  will  swear 
Royal  allegiance  to  the  King  to  bear." 

They  took  the  pardon  at  the  proffered  price, 
Bellyn  the  Simple  fell  a  sacrifice  : 
And  all  his  Kindred  suffered  too  with  him, 
Victims  to  the  fierce  Clan  of  Isegrim. 
Eternal  war  was  entered  on  that  day  ; 
The  Wolves  thenceforward  made   all   Sheep 

their  prey ; 
Hunting   and   worrying   them    by   day   and 

night ; 
They  had  the  power,  and  therefore  had  the 

right. 

The  Monarch  further  solace  yet  imparts 
To  Isegrim's  and  Bruin's  wounded  hearts, 
By  ordering  a  twelve-days'  festival, 
At  which  his  Barons  should  be  present  all ; 
That  so  his  Lieges  might  distinctly  see 
Those  the  King  loved,  should  duly  honored  be. 

CHAPTER  THE   SEVENTH. 

THK    OUTLAWRY. 

THE  Court  was  for  the  festival  prepared  ; 
And  all  who  came,  the  banquet  freely  shared  ; 
By  day  and  night  succeeded  endless  feasts ; 
Was  never  such  a  gathering  of  Beasts  ; 
All  to  do  homage  to  the  Wolf  and  Bear, 
Who  in  their  present  joy  forgot  past  care. 
Nor  did  the  Guests  do  nought  but  feed  like 

Brutes ; 

The  scene  was  varied  with  refined  pursuits ; 
The  charms  of  music  lent  their  soothing  aid, 
The  big  drums  thundered  and  the  trumpets 

bray'd ; 

The  dance  enlivened  the  convivial  hall, 
The  courtly  minuet  and  the  common  brawl ; 
While  day  by  day  the  sports  afresh  begin, 
And  day  by  day  new  Guests  come  trooping  in. 
To   name   them  all  would  too  much   time 

engross ; 

There  came  the  erudite  Rhinoceros  : 
Thick-skinned   himself,  he  flayed   the  thin- 
skinned  tribe, 
A  savage  Critic,  though  himself  a  Scribe ; 


42 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


In  all  the  gossip  versed  of  former  times, 
He  fashioned  hist'ry  into  nurs'ry  rhymes ; 
Or,  told  in  prose,  made  it  seem  all  a  shain, 
By  cooking  up  his  facts  d  V  ipigramme. 

Next  the  Hyaena,  the  good  Bishop,  came, 
His  restless  zeal  forever  in  a  flame ; 
With  his  devices  the  whole  kingdom  rang, 
So  mixed  they  were  of  piety  and  slang : 
No  Blood-hound  e'er  so  quick  a  scent  as  he 
To  track  the  tainted  sons  of  Heresy ; 


On  that  accursed  and  deadly  schism  which 

taught 
That  in,   and    not    by,   baptism   Grace   was 

caught. 
There  was  Sir  Nibble  too,  the  long-haired 

Rat; 

Haggard  and  grim  and  sworn  Foe  to  the  Cat ; 
Though  he  at  one  time,  unless  Rumor  lied, 
Had  wished  to  'list  himself  on  Tybalt's  side  : 
Hoped  all  past  differences  to  efface, 


Not  Gaul  by  Roman,  nor  by  Spartan,  Helot, 
Were   used   as  they  were   by  the   reverend 

Prelate : 
Them  with  his  pen   he   mangled   sore ;  and 

would 

Have  had  them  burnt  by  inches,  if  he  could. 
He  came  ;  but  not  in  over-cheerful  mood, 
For  at  this  time  his  thoughts  could  nought 

but  brood 


And  in  his  favor  to  obtain  a  place. 

But   when    he    found    his    fawning   flatt'ry 

spurned, 

His  sembled  friendship  into  hate  was  turned ; 
Where   once   he   slavered,   now   he  spat  his 

spite, 
And  shewed  his  rodent  teeth  and  strove  to 

bite; 
But  Tybalt  thought  it  prudent  to  determine 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


43 


To   bide   his  time   till   be   migbt  crush   the 

Vermin. 

There  too  was  Jocko  seen,  the  long-armed 
Ape, 

Who  was  in  mind  ungainly  as  in  shape ; 

Malice  and  fun  in  him  so  nicely  blent, 

When   playful   most,  then  most  he  mischief 
meant ; 

He  chattered  nonsense  with  look  so  demure, 

Most  Folks  would  think — he  must  mean  some- 
thing sure ; 

His  very  talents  he  would  twist  to  ill, 

For  he  could  limn  and  draw  with  ease  and 
skill ; 

But,  just  to  prove  his  power  at  grimaces, 

Caricatured  his  best  Friends  to  their  faces. 
To  count  them  all,  for  ages  would  endure  ; 

But  Reynard  was  not  one  of  them,  be  sure. 

In  watchful  idleness  he  lurk'd  at  home, 

That  false  pretended  Palmer,  bound  for  Rome. 

To  visit  Court  he  was  too  circumspect ; 

He  knew  what  welcome  he  might  there  ex- 
pect. 

Safely  at  home  himself  he  might  applaud  ; 

But  not  so  safely  could  appear  abroad. 

Meanwhile  was   held    high  junketing    at 
Court ; 

There  all  was  mirth  and  jollity  and  sport ; 

Feasting  and  gambling  were  there,  night  and 
day ; 

And  those  who  came  to  stuff  remained  to  play. 

Full  was  the  royal  palace  as  Noah's  ark  ; 

Jousts  were  there  held,  and  tourneys,  in  the 
park. 

From  his  high  place  the  King  surveyed  the 
whole, 

And  the  vast  tumult  fill'd  his  mighty  soul. 
'T  was  now  the  eighth  day  of  the  festival ; 

The  King  was  set  at  table  in  his  hall, 

His  Peers  around,  and  by  his  side  his  Queen  ; 

When  lo  !  the  Rabbit  rushed  upon  the  scene  ! 

Bunny  the  Mild,  his  face  all  smeared' d  with 
blood ; 

And  thus  he  spake,  as  panting  there  he  stood  ; 
"  Ah,  Sire  !  ah,  hear  me !  Lords  and  Gen- 
tles all! 

Or  some  such  fate  may  some  of  you  befall; 

What  murderous  wrongs  from  Reynard  I've 
received ; 

Too  scandalous  almost  to  be  believed  ! 

I  passed  by  Malepartus  yesterday  ; 

My  road  in  coming  hither  led  that  way  ; 

Dressed  out  in  Pilgrim's  habits  there  he  sate, 


Seemed  to  be  reading  Matins  at  his  gate. 
I  hurried  on,  in  haste  to  reach  this  Court, 
Deeming  Your  summons,  Sire,  a  safe  escort. 
He  follow'd  me  yet  still  I  thought 
That  he  in  courtesy  but  sought, 

His  friendly  court  to  shew. 
But  he,  without  a  moment's  pause, 
Fix'd  in  my  neck  his  pointed  claws, 

And  bore  me  to  the  ground ; 
Hardly  I  scaped  with  life  I  trow, 
For  from  his  fierce  and  spiteful  blow, 

I  bear  this  ghastly  wound. 
And  as  I  strove  his  grasp  to  clear, 
The  villain  tore  away  an  ear, 

As  all  may  plainly  see ! 
Bethink  thee,  Sire,  that  day  by  day, 
Thy  bidden  guests  are  made  his  prey, 
And  maim'd  or  slain  on  the  highway, 

For  wanton  cruelty.'' 
He'd  ended  scarce,  when  there  arose 
Merknau  the  Crow,  to  state  his  woes, 
Who  cried:  "Attend,  0  mighty  King, 
And  list  the  hideous  tale  I  bring  ! 
For  grief  and  truth,  I  scarce  can  speak, 
Methinks  my  faithful  heart  will  break, 
Ere  I  the  horrid  deed  can  tell, 
Which  this  unhappy  morn  befel.  — 
As  I  with  Scharfenebb,  my  dame, 
Upon  the  moor  at  daylight  came, 
We  found  Reynard  upon  the  heath, 
Stretch' d  out,  sans  motion,  life  or  breath, 

As  corse  long  dead  he  lies  ! 
His  tongue  hangs  from  his  gaping  jaws, 
Stiffen'd  in  death  seem  limbs  and  paws, 

Inverted  are  his  eyes ! 
I  felt  his  head  and  breast,  but  not 
A  sign  of  life  was  there  I  wot, — 
Grieved  for  his  loss,  and  with  my  mate, 
Lamented  his  unhappy  fate, 

And  course  so  early  run. — 
My  wife  meanwhile,  draws  near  his  chin, 
And  listens  if  perchance  within, 

Some  sign  of  life  remains  ; 
When  snap  ! — her  head  is  off,  and  he 
Bounds  from  the  earth,  and  makes  at  me. 
I  'scaped,  I  know  not  how,  into  a  tree ; 
Unconscious   terror   must   have   winged  my 

flight : 
And   thence   I   saw,   oh   heavens !     what   a 

sight ! 

Sooner,  alas !  would  I  have  lost  my  life  ! 
I  saw  the  Murderer  mangle  my  dear  Wife  ; 
Her  tender  flesh  I  saw  his  talons  tear, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


The  crunching  of  her  bones  too  could  1  hear. 
So  mad  with  hunger  seemed  the  Cannibal, 
That  he  devoured  flesh,  feathers,  bones  and 

all! 
That  hour  of  anguish  ne'er  will  be  forgot ! 


The  Wretch  now  satiated  left  the  spot ; 
And  I  alighted  on  that  cursed  ground, 
But  nothing  there  save  drops  of  gore  I  found, 
And  these  few  feathers  from  my  poor  Wife's 

wing, 
Which   here   in   Court,  to  prove  my  case,  I 

bring. 

"  My  tale  is  ended,  Sire  !  my  task  is  done : 
I've  humbly  laid  my  griefs  before  the  Throne. 
From  his  misdoings,  all  the  Realm  complains 
'T  is  Reynard  rules,  and  not  the  King  that 

reigns. 
For  those  who  have  the  power  such  crimes  to 

stem, 

And  yet  repress  them  not,  encourage  them. 
Forgive  me  if  too  bold  in  what  I  say  ; 
But  grief  is  voluble  and  will  have  way." 
Now  all  the  court  had  heard  these  tales  of 

woe, 

Both  from  the  gentle  Rabbit  and  the  Crow. 
And    much    incensed   was    Noble,    King   of 

beasts, 

Who  liked  not  this  disturbance  in  his  feasts. 
Thus  then  he  spake  in  angry  tones  though 

sad; 
"  Much  have  I  borne  with  ;  but  this  is  far  too 

bad  ! 

In  vain  it  seems  that  my  behests  are  spoken  ; 
My    laws    are   outraged    and    my   peace   is 

broken. 


This  traitor  has  deceived  me  once  before  ; 
But  never,  never  shall  deceive  me  more  ! 
Nor  my  fault  is't  that  such  a  Criminal 
Is  still  at  large ;  the  Queen  has  done  it  all. 
I  shall  not  be  the  last,  as  not  the  first, 
By  woman's  idle  counsels  to  be  curst. 
But  if  this  rebel  Thief  go  longer  free, 
The  name  of  justice  will  a  mock'ry  be. 
Take  council,  then,  my  Lords,  and  do  your  best 
To  rid  our  kingdom  of  this  common  Pest." 

Pleased    were   the    Bear   and    Wolf   this 

speech  to  hear ; 
And  thought  their  hour  of  vengeance  now 

was  near ; 

But  prudently  were  silent,  seeing  both 
The   King  so   much    disturbed    and    deeply 
wroth. 

At   length    the    Queen    in   gentle   accents 

spake ; 
"  Do  not,  dear  Lord,  your  plans  too  rashly 

make  ; 

Calm  dignity  will  best  assert  the  Right ; 
Of  angry  words  th'  eifect  is  oft  but  slight. 
Men  oft  blame  Others  their  own  guilt  to  hide; 
Justice  demands  to  hear  the  other  side  ; 
Of  those  who're  loudest  in  his  absence,  some, 
If  he  were  present,  would  perchance  be  dumb. 
For  Reynard  ;  skilful,  wise  and  wary  still 
I  knew  him,  and  suspected  nought  of  ill. 
All  I  advised  was  with  the  best  intent, 
Though  the  result  has  prov'd  so  different. 
From  all  I  ever  heard  or  understood, 
If  bad  his  deeds,  yet  his  advice  was  good. 
Behooves  us  to  remember  in  this  case 
His  num'rous  Followers  and  powerful  Race. 
With  over-haste  affairs  but  badly  speed ; 
But  what  your  Royal  will  shall  have  decreed, 
That  shall  your  faithful  Subjects  execute  ; 
And  thus  ripe  counsels  yield   their  proper 
fruit." 

Then  spake  the  royal  Libbard  thus;  "My 

Lord, 

Permit  me  humbly  to  throw  in  a  word  ; 
I  own  I  think  that  Reynard  should  be  heard. 
With  ease  You  can  Your  objects  carry  out. 
When  he  comes  hither,  as  he  will,  no  doubt. 
I  think  this  is  the  general  view ;  I  mean, 
We   all  would   take   the   same  view   as   the 
Queen." 

Then   Isegrim   spake  out;    "Forgive   me, 

Prince, 

Your  words,  though  wise,  do  not  my  mind 
convince. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


45 


Put  case  that  Reynard  now  were  present  here, 
And  from  this  doi/ble  charge  himself  could 

clear  ; 

Yet  would  I  undertake  to  show  good  cause 
His  worthless  life  lies  forfeit  to  the  laws. 
But  of  such  matters  better  silent  be 
Until  we  have  him  safe  in  custody. 
Have  you  forgot  the  wondrous  tale  he  told 
About  King  Emm'rick's  hidden  store  of  gold? 
At  Husterlow,  near  Krekelburn,  he  swore 
It  would  be  found,  and  fifty  falsehoods  more. 
Both  me  and  Bruin  hath  he  brought  to  shame ; 
And  life  we  hold  less  dear  than  our  good  name. 
And  yet  at  freedom  roams  the  Rebel  still, 
And  steals  and  murders  whom  and  what  he 

will. 

If  to  the  King  and  Council  this  seem  fit, 
We,  howsoever  wronged,  must  needs  submit. 
Prince  Libbard  though  suggests  he  may  ap- 
pear 

E'en  yet  at  Court ;  but  why  is  he  not  here  ? 
The  Royal  missive  bade  all  Lieges  come  ; 
But  he.  the  skulking  Thief !  remains  at  home.' ' 
Then  said  the  King  of  Beasts  ;  "  Why  more 

delay  ? 

Why  for  the  Traitor's  coming  longer  stay  ? 
My  Royal  will  is,  ye  all  ready  be 
On  the  sixth  day  from  this  to  follow  me. 
Unless  our  pow'r  shall  quite  be  set  at  nought, 
These   ills,  my  Lords,   must  to   a   close   be 

brought. 

Prepare  yourselves  at  once  for  battle's  din  ; 
Come,  armed  with  sword  and  bow  and  jave- 
lin ; 

Let  each  right  worthily  his  weapons  wield, 
So  he  may  merit  knighthood  on  the  field. 
My  Subjects  I  expect  will  aid  their  Liege; 
The  fortress  Malepartus  we'll  besiege  ; 
And  all  its  myst'ries  into  daylight  bring." 
Then  cried  they  all  aloud ;    "  Long  live  the 

King!" 
Thus   were    the   Monarch   and   the   Peers 

agreed ; 

And  Reynard's  certain  doom  now  seemed  de- 
creed. 

But  Greybeard,  at  the  banquet  who  had  been, 
In  secret  left  the  gay  and  festive  scene. 
He  hastened  off  the  wary  Fox  to  find, 
And  let  him  know  what  now  was  in  the  wind. 
And  as  alone  his  weary  way  he  sped, 
Thus  to  himself  the  grieving  Badger  said  ; 

"Ah!  Uncle  dear  !  how  I  deplore  thy  case ; 
Thou  prop  and  ornament  of  all  our  Race  ! 


With  thee  to  aid  us  and  to  plead  our  cause 
We  never  feared  the  rigor  of  the  laws." 
Thus  he  arrived  at  Malepartus'  gate, 
Where  in  the  open  air  Sir  Reynard  sate. 
Two  youthful  Pigeons  he  his  prey  had  made, 
Who  their  first  flight  that  morning  had  es- 

say'd  ; 

But  ill-supported  by  their  new-fledged  wings, 
They  fell,  and  he  pounced  on  the  poor  weak 

things. 

Soon  as  he  saw  the  Badger  drawing  near 
He  rose  and  said  ;   "  Ah,  welcome,  Nephew 

dear  ! — 

For  dear  you  are  to  me  'fore  all  my  Kin  ; — 
But  what  a  mortal  hurry  you  seem  in  ! 
How  hot  you  are  !    and  how  you  puff  and 

blow  ! 
You   bring  some   cheerful   news  for  me,   I 

know." 

"Alas!"  said  Greybeard,  panting,  "any- 
thing 

But  cheerful,  Uncle,  are  the  news  I  bring. 
For  all,  excepting  honor,  now  is  lost : 
Ne'er  have  I  known  King  Noble  seem  so  crost ; 
Deep  hath  he  vowed  a  shameful  death  shall  be 
The  doom  of  Reynard  and  his  Family. 
He  and  his  Barons  bold,  a  doughty  Band, 
Armed  at  all  points, — for  such  is  his  com- 
mand,— 

With  bow  and  sword  and  javelin  and  spear, 
On  the  sixth  day  from  this  will  all  be  here. 
Bethink  you  then  in  time  ;  for  what  can  you, 
'Gainst  such  an  army,  single-handed  do? 
Bruin  and  Isegrim  are  with  the  King 
Quite  reconciled  ;  their  will  is  every  thing. 
The  Wolf  of  crimes  of  every  sort  and  kind 
Accuses  you,  and  sways  the  Royal  mind. 
He  has, — as  you  will  but  too  shortly  see, — 
Been  raised  to  a  Field  Marshal's  dignity. 
The  Crow  and  Rabbit  have  been  both  at  Court, 
And  of  your  doings  made  a  sad  report. 
Should  the  King  this  time  get  you  in   his 

pow'r, 
Your   life's   not   worth   the  purchase  of  an 

hour." 
"  That  all  ?  Your  story  moves  me,"  quoth 

the  Fox, 

"As  summer  breezes  do  primaeval  rocks. 
As  for  the  King  and  all  his  Council  too, 
I'll  warrant  me  they'll  have  enough  to  do ; 
At  least  to  talk  about ;  because,  in  fact, 
They'll  prate  and  prate  for  ever,  and  not  act. 
About  such  trifles,  Nephew,  do  not  fret ; 


46 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


But  just  step  in  and  see  what  we  can  get. 
You  see  these  nice  young  Pigeons  I've  just 

caught ; 

They  are  the  best  of  eating,  to  my  thought ; 
Their  bones  and  flesh  like  jellied  milk  and 

blood : 
So  light;    and  I'm  compell'd  to  take  light 

food; 

My  Wife  too  is  of  the  same  taste  as  I ; 
Come  in  ;  she'll  welcome  you  right  heartily. 
She  is  not  well  though,  so  I  would  not  let  her 
Know  why  you  come  ;  for  trifles  quite  upset 

her. 

We'll  start  to-morrow ;  and  I'm  nought  afraid 

But  you'll  afford  me  kind  and  kindred  aid." 

Quoth  Greybeard,  "  I  would  die  for  you  with 

pleasure." 
Quoth  Reynard,  "You  oblige  me  past  all 

measure. 

And  if  I  live,  as  well  I  trust  I  may, 
Be  sure  that  I  your  kindness  will  repay.' ' 
"Go,"   said  the   other,   "go   before    your 

Peers, 

With  that  brave  honest  heart,  devoid  of  fears  ; 
At  least  a  hearing  you'll  obtain  from  them. 
Even  Prince  Libbard  says  they  can't  condemn, 
Until  they've  heard  all  you  may  have  to  say ; 
And  the  Queen  thinks  precisely  the  same  way. 
This  hint  to  your  advantage  you  may  guide." 
''  Be  sure  I  will ;  "  the  crafty  Fox  replied  ; 
"  Howe'er  the  King  may  storm ;  in  his  de- 

spight, 

I  have  no  doubt  to  make  the  matter  right ; 
I  know  the  bait  at  which  he'll  surely  bite." 

So  into  Reynard's  dwelling  now  they  went ; 
The   Housewife  welcomed   them   with    kind 

intent ; 

The  hospitable  board  was  quickly  spread, 
And  on  the  Pigeons  daintily  they  fed  ; 
Duly  divided  each  one  had  his  share  ; 
Much  were  they  relished  and  was  nought  to 

spare. 

They  could,  for  it  was  but  a  scanty  feast, 
Have  eaten  half  a  dozen  more  at  least. 

The  meal  concluded,  they  to  chat  begin  ; 
And  the  fond  Father  has  the  Children  in  ; 
And  as  they  climb  and  cling  about  his  knees 
They  waken  his  parental  sympathies  : 

"  Are  they  not  charming  little  Rogues?" 

he  said, 

"  So  frolic,  yet  so  thoroughly  well-bred. 
Russell   is   such   a  Scamp ;   and   his   young 

Brother, 


Greykin,  will  one  day  prove  just  such  another. 

Never  will  they  their  lineage  disgrace ; 

Their  principles  do  honor  to  their  Race. 

One  a  young  straggling  Bantam  up  shall  pick, 

The  other  pounce  upon  a  Guinea-chick  ; 

Nor  do  they  rest  contented  on  dry  ground, 

But   plunge   for   Ducklings   in  the  Parson's 
pond. 

To  hunt  I'd  send  them  oft'ner,  if  I  durst ; 

But  care  and  prudence  they  must  study  first ; 

Learn  never  to  be  taken  unawares, 

And  to  avoid  all  Hunters,  Dogs  and  snares. 

And  when  by  habit  they  expert  shall  grow, 

And  courage,  tempered  with  due  caution,  show, 

In  search  of  prey  then  daily  shall  they  roam, 

And  never  shall  we  want  for  food  at  home 

Slow  stealthy  step,  low  crouch  and  steadfast 
aim, 

Sure    Spring  and  firm    grip ;    that   is   Rey- 
nard's game ; 

Thus  have  we  still  upheld  the  credit  of  our 

name." 

"Ay,  Children  are  in  truth  great  blessings, 
Sir;" 

Said  Greybeard,  who  was  still  a  Bachelor. 

"  Pledges  of  holy  and  of  lawful  love, 

A  constant  joy  and  solace  must  they  prove  ; 

Centered  in  them  the  happy  Parents  see 

The  pleasures  both  of  Hope  and  Memory ; 

And   if  sometimes   they   prove   a   source  of 
trouble, 

That  makes,   no   doubt,  the   latter   pleasure 
double. 

Nor  are  your  joys  confined  to  you  alone  ; 

/love  your  Children  as  they  were  my  own." 
"  Suffice    it   for   to-day;"    then  Reynard 
said ; 

"  We  all  are  sleepy  ;  let  us  now  to  bed." 
Then  on  the  floor,  soft  strewn  with  leaves 
and  hay, 

Their  weary  limbs  adown  to  rest  they  lay. 

But   Reynard    could  not  sleep  for   haunting 
cares, 

So  grave  appeared  the  posture  of  affairs. 

He  tossed  and  tumbled  all  the  livelong  night, 

With  aching  eyes  he  met  the  morning  light. 

Then  to  the  Partner  of  his  joys  and  woes 

Thus  did  he  speak,  as  from  his  couch  he  rose  ; 
"  Be  not  alarmed  ;  to  Court  I  go  again 

At  Greybeard's  wish;  at  home  you'll  safe  re- 
main. 

That  no  one  know  where  I  am  gone  'twere 
best; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


47 


Be  of  good  cheer  and  leave  to  Heav'n  the 

rest." 
"What!''  cried  Dame  Ermelyne,  "Again 

to  Court ! 
Methinks   your   foes   would  wish  no   better 

sport. 

Are  you  obliged  to  go  ?     Bethink  you  well 
Of  what  on  your  last  visit  there  befell." 
"Indeed,"  quoth  Reynard,   "it  was  past 

a  jest, 
I  ne'er  remember  to  have  been  so  prest. 


But  nothing  certain  is  beneath  the  sun ; 
No  matter  how  a  thing  may  be  begun, 
None  can  say  how  'twill  finish,  till  'tis 

done. 

Albeit  'tis  needful  that  to  Court  I  go, — 
For  I  have  much  that's  weighty  there  to  do, — 
Be  calm,  I  beg  you  ;  there  is  nought  to  fear  ; 
A  week  at  furthest  I'll  again  be  here. 
Adieu  then,  for  a  time,  dear  Love  ;  "  he  cried  ; 
Then  off  he  starts  with  Greybeard  at  his  side. 

CHAPTER  THE   EIGHTH. 

THE   JOURNEY. 

Towards  King  Noble's  Court  without  delay, 
Greybeard  and  Reynard  now  held  on  their 

way. 
And  the  Fox  said,  "  My  heart   feels    quite 

elate, 

This  journey  will,  I  know,  prove  fortunate. 
And  yet,  dear  Nephew,  since  I  last  confest, 
My  life  has  truly  not  been  of  the  best. 
Hear  what  fresh  crimes  I  now  have  to  de- 
plore ; — 
Some  too  which  I  forgot  to  tell  before. 

"  A  good  stout  scrip  I've  had  from  Bruin's 

hide: 

The  Wolf  and  his  good  Lady  have  supplied 
My  tender  feet,  each  with  a  pair  of  shoes  ; 


'Tis  thus  I've  wreaked  my  vengeance  on  my 

Foes. 

The  King  too,  I  confess,  I've  badly  treated, 
And    with     gross     falsehoods    scandalously 

cheated. 
Further,  —  for   nought   will   I   conceal   from 

you,— 
I  killed  the  Hare,  and  what's  more,  ate  him 

too : 

His  mangled  head  by  Bcllyn  I  sent  back, 
Trusting  the  King  would  stretch  him  on  the 

rack. 

The  Rabbit  too,  I  tried  to  make  my  prey  ; 
Although — thank  Heav'n  for  that ! — he  got 

away. 

Th'  offence  of  which  the  Crow  doth  now  com- 
plain 

Is  not  without  foundation  in  the  main  : 
For  why  should  I  the  simple  truth  disguise  ? 
I  did  devour  his  wife  before  his  eyes. 

"  These  my  chief  sins  are  since  my  last 

confession ; 

But  I  omitted  then  an  old  transgression  ; 
A  trick,  for  which  I  hope  forgiv'n  to  be, 
Against  the  Wolf,  mine  ancient  Enemy. 

"  One  day  we  happened  to  be  travelling 
The  road  between  Kaktyss  and  Elverding; 
When  we  a  Mare  perceived  with  her  young 

Foal, 

The  Dam  and  Daughter  each  as  black  as  coal ; 
'  Bout  four  months  old  the  Filly  seemed  to  be ; 
Said  Is' grim,  who  was  nearly  starved,  to  me, 
'  See,  prithee,  Nephew,  if  you  can  entice 
'  Yon  Mare  to  sell  her  Foal  at  any  price.' 
Rash  was  the  venture,  I  was  well  aware ; 
But  up  I  trotted,  and  addressed  the  Mare  , 
'  Say,  dearest  Madam,  may  I  make  so  bold 
'  To  ask  if  this  sweet  Creature's  to  be  sold  ? 
'  If  so,  for  it  belongs  to  you,  I  see, 
'  I  trust  upon  the  price  we  may  agree.' 
Said  she  :  '  Yes,  if  I  get  the  sum  I  want, 
'  I  '11  sell  her ;  and  'tis  not  exorbitant ; 
'  You  '11  find  it  written  on  my  near  hind  hoof.' 
I  guessed  her  meaning  and  kept  well  aloof. 
'  Alas  !'  I  cried,  as  though  I  nought  suspected ; 
'  My  education  has  been  sore  neglected  ; 
'  Reading  and  writing  are  beyond  my  pow'r  ; 
'  My  parents  have  a  deal  to  answer  for. 
'  Not  for  myself  the  dear  Child  I  desire  ; 
'  It  was  the  Wolf  who  bade  me  to  inquire.' 
'  He'd  better  come  himself,'  replied  the  Mare  ; 
Quoth  I,  '  I'll  tell  him  what  your  wishes  are.' 
So  where  he  waited  I  joined  Isegrim  : 


48 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


'  The  Foal  is  to  be  had,'  said  I  to  him  ; 

'The  price  is  written  on  the  Mare's  hind 
hoof; 

'  She  kindly  offered  me  to  see  the  proof ; 

'  But.  'twas  no  use  to  me,  who  cannot  read  ; 

'  My  life,  alas  !  has  sadly  run  to  seed. 

'  But  you,  dear  Uncle,  soon  will  make  it  out ; 

'Approach  and  read,  for  you  can  read.no 
doubt.' 

Said  Isegrim,  '  I  rather  think  I  can  ; 

'  German,  French,  Latin  and  Italian. 

'  To  school  I  went  at  Erfurt,  theo  to  college, 

'  Where  I  picked  up  a  vast  amount  of  know- 
ledge ; 

'  Took  duly  my  degrees  and  honors  too  ; 

'  I  swear  I  quite  forget  how  much  I  knew  : 

'  All  one  learns  there  is  wondrously  abstruse, 

'Though  not,  perhaps,  in  practice  of  much  use. 

'  I'll  go  and  the  inscription  read  at  once, 

'  To  prove  that,  though  a  Scholar,  I'm  no 
Dunce.' 

So  off  he  started  to  the  Mare,  quite  bold, 

Asked  for  how  much  the  Foal  was  to  be  sold  ; 

She  gave  the  answer  she  had  giv'n  before ; 

And  down  he  stooped  the  writing  to  explore. 

Her  hoof  she  lifted  gently  from  the  grass  ; 

Fresh  shod  and  armed  with  six  new  nails  it 
was ; 

And  fetched  him  a  full  plumper  on  the  head, 

That  down  he  tumbled,  stunned,  and  lay  for 
dead. 

Then  off  she  galloped  with  her  frisky  Foal, 

And  whinnied  as  she  went,  for  joy  of  soul. 

For  a  good  hour  the  Wolf  lay  on  the  ground, 

Then  'gan  to  howl,  like  any  beaten  Hound. 

I  hastened  up  to  him,  and,  'Uncle,  say,' 

Quoth  I,  '  What  causes  you  lament  this  way  ? 

'  Have  you  your  bargain  made  with  Ma- 
dam Mare  ? 

'And  eaten  up  her  Foal?  that's  not  quite 
fair! 

'  Sure,  for  my  pains  I  should  have  had 
my  share. 

'  And,  as  you  are  so  learned,  prithee  do 

'  Expound  to  me  the  writing  on  the  shoe  ?  ' 

'  Ah  me  !  I  am  derided  !  '  he  made  moan  ; 

'  My  suff 'rings  though  might  melt  a  heart  of 
stone. 

'  Never  before  did  I  so  badly  fare. 

'  Oh  !  may  the  Devil  fetch  that  long-legged 
Mare  ! 

'  Six  bleeding  wounds  I  have  in  my  poor 
head. 


'  The  only  wonder  is  I  am  not  dead.' 

"  Thus  I've  confessed,  as  far  as  I  am  able. 
And  made  my  conscience  clean  and   comfort- 
able. 

Now  that  is  done,  I  trust  to  hear  from  you 
Some  ghostly  counsel  what  is  next  to  do." 


Him  Greybeard  answers  thus  ;    "  'Tistrue 

indeed 

Of  ghostly  counsel  you  stand  sore  in  need  ; 
For  from  your  tone  I  gather  that,  as  yet, 
Your  crimes  you  rather  boast  of,  than  regret. 
'Tis  true,  regret  for  past  misdeeds  is  vain  ; 
It  cannot  bring  the  Dead  to  life  again. 
Your  sins  I  must  in  charity  forgive, 
Seeing  how  short  a  time  you  have  to  live ; 
For  certainly  the  worst  results  I  dread  : 
You  never  can  get  over  that  Hare's  head. 
It  was  in  sooth  a  most  audacious  thing 
To  aggravate  the  anger  of  the  King ! 
More  mischief  to  your  cause    thereby  you've 

done 
Than  in  your    thoughtlessness    you    reckon 

on." 
"  Nay,  not  a  jot,"   replied  th'   undaunted 

Rogue ; 

"Self-interest  will  always  be  in  vogue, 
Those  in  the  world   who  live  must  look   to 

rough  it, 
And  meet   with  many   a  kick  and  many  a 

buffet, 
He  who  would   best    get  on  must  rant  and 

roister, 

Nor  think  to  pass  his  time  as  in  a  cloister. 
As  for  the  Hare,  I  own  he  tempted  me ; 
He  skipped  and  sprang  about  so  saucily, 
And   looked  so   plump,    that    howsoe'er    I 

strove, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


49 


My  appetite  proved  stronger  than  my  love. 
For  the  Ram's  fate  I  do  not  care  a  pin  ; 
His  was  the  suflfring ;  mine  may  be  the  sin. 
'Tis  not  my  worst  misdeed  by  many  a  one  ; 
My  penance  otherwise  were  quickly  done. 
To  love  our  Neighbors  we  are  told,  'tis  true  ; 
But  Most  do  just  what  they  ought  not  to  do. 
What's  done  though  can't  be  helped;  and,  as 

you  said, 

'Tis  worse  than  useless  to  regret  the  Dead. 
Useless  indeed,  I  think,  is  all  regret ; 
Save  some  advantage  from  it  one  can  get. 

"Enough  of  this  !  we  live  in  awful  times  ! 
No  Rank    or    Station    seems    exempt    from 

crimes ! 
Corruption   from   the   Rich    spreads  to    the 

Poor ; 

Good  men  the  gen'ral  111  can  but  deplore ; 
And  though  we  dare  not  speak,  we   think   the 

more. 
"The  King  himself  will  plunder,  that  we 

know, 

As  much  as  any  of  his  Subjects  do  ; 
And,   what   he   does  not  take  himself,    de- 
volves, 

As  lawful  prey,  upon  the  Bears  and  Wolves. 
To  speak  the  truth  dares  not  a  single  Soul, 
The  mischief  may  be  ne'er  so  great  or  foul. 
The  Clergy  keep  quite  silent ;    and    no   won- 
der ; 

They  have  a  decent  portion  of  the  plunder. 
If  of  extortion  any  one  complains, 
He  only  has  his  trouble  for  his  pains. 
If  aught  that  you  possess  the  Great  allures, 
Then  may  you  safely  say  it  has  been  yours. 
But  Few  to  tales  of  grievance  will  attend  ; 
And  they  are  sure  to  weary  in  the  end. 
Noble,  the  Lion,  is  our  Lord  and  King ; 
He  acts  as  he  were  Lord  of  every  thing ; 
He  calls  us  oft  his  Children ;    and,   'twould 

seem, 

Forsooth,  that  all  we  have  belongs  to  him. 
For  let    me    speak  my   mind ;  our  gracious 

King 
Loves  ever  those  the  most,  who     most    can 

bring ; 
And  who  will    dance    as   he   may   choose  to 

sing. 

The  Many  suffer,  though  but  Few  complain ; 
The  Bear  and  Wolf  are  now  in  pow'r  again  ; 
They  steal  and  rob  and  pillage,  left  and 

right; 
And  yet  find  favor  in  the  Royal  sight. 

VOL.  IV. — W.  H. 


While  each    who    might   have    influence    is 

dumb, 
Living    in    hopes    that    his   own   time   may 

come. 

Let  a  poor  Devil,  like  myself,  but  take 
A  paltry  chicken,  what  a  howl  they  make! 
They're  all  upon  his  back  without  remorse, 
And  he's  condemned  to  suffer,  as  of  course. 
For  those  who  crimes  commit  of  deeper  dye, 
No  mercy  show  to  petty  larceny. 

"  Such  thoughts,  I  own,  have  often  crossed 

my  mind 

When  to  repentance  I  have  felt  inclin'd  ; 
And  to  myself  I've  said,  in  Reason's  spite, 
That  what  so  many  do  must  sure  be  right. 
Conscience  indeed  within  me  sometimes  stirs, 
And  says,  with  that  peculiar  voice  of  hers . 
'  Reynard,   why  seek    thus   to   deceive   thy- 
self? 

'  No  good  came  ever  of  unrighteous  pelf.' 
Then  deep  remorse  I've  felt  for  doing  wrong  ; 
Deep  for  the  moment,  but  not  lasting  long. 
Because,  look  round  the  world  which  way  I 

would, 

I  saw  the  Bad  fared  better  than  the  Good. 
Not,  as  times  go,  can  every  one  afford 
To  cherish  Virtue  as  its  own  reward. 

"  The  people  too,  save  their  nobility, 
In  all  their  Betters'  secrets  love  to  pry ; 
Their   faults  they  will   observe  and   con  by 

rote, 

And  pick  holes  e'en  in  Honor's  petticoat. 
''  But  the  worst  feature  of  this  pinchbeck 

age, 
Which,  if  my  scorn  it  mov'd  not,  would  my 

rage, 

Is,  that  all  sorts  of  public  men  we  see 
Merged  in  the  slough  of  mediocrity. 
There  will  they  plunge  and  wade  and  flounce 

and  flounder, 

Endeav'ring  each  to  keep  the  other  under  ; 
For  if  one  strive,  by  merits  of  his  own, 
To  rise,   his   Neighbors   pelt  and   pull   him 

down, 
As  though  't  were   quite   agreed   that  little 

men 

From  a  dead  level  had  the  furthest  ken  ; 
That    by    example     might    the    World    be 

schooled 
With  what  a  small  amount  of  wisdom  it  is 

ruled. 

"  In  private,  too,  all  paltry  vices  flourish  ; 
Men  are  morose  and  selfish,  sly  and  currish  : 


50 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Backbiting,  malice,  lying  and  false-swearing 
Have  become  matters  of  familiar  bearing. 
Hypocrites  and  false  Prophets  so  abound 
That   Truth,   save   in   a  well,  can   ne'er  be 

found. 

"  If  to  remonstrate  with  them  you  should  try, 
Quickly  and  coolly  will  they  thus  reply  ; 
'The  sins  you  mention  cannot  serious  be, 
Or   sure   the  Clergy   from   them   would    be 

free.' 

Thus,  following  those  of  a  superior  station, 
The  People  sin,  like  Apes,  by  imitation. 
Thinking  and  acting  much  as  Monkeys  do, 
They  often  get  the  same  allowance  too. 

"  Truly  the  Priesthood  better  should  be- 
have; 
With  common  care,  their  credit  they  might 

save. 

But  it  quite  marvelous  appears  to  me 
The  slight  in  which  they  hold  the  Laity. 
Before  our  very  eyes  they  do  not  mind 
To  act  in  any  way  they  feel  inclin'd  ; 
As  though  we  all,  like  Bats,  or  Moles,  were 

blind. 

And  ev'ry  one,  his  eyes  who  uses,  knows 
What  kind  of  store  they  set  upon  their  vows. 
Beyond  the  Alps,  'tis  said,  that  ev'ry  Priest 
Holds  consort  with  one  Mistress  at  the  least ; 
And  what  is  winked  at  by  the  Court  of  Rome 
No  wonder  should  be  practised  here  at  home. 
The  holy  Fathers,  if  truth  may  be  spoke, 
Have  Children  just  like  any  married  Folk  ; 
And,  with  paternal  love,  take  care  enough 
None  of  their  Offspring  shall  be  badly  off ; 
These,  never  thinking  what  was  their  Mam- 
ma, 

To  lawful  Children  will  not  yield  the  pas  ; 
Others  they  treat  with  as  much  slight  and 

scorn, 

As  they  were  honestly,  nay,  nobly  born. 
Clad  in  the  armor  of  sheer  impudence, 
They  have  of  shame  or  modesty  no  sense. 
Time  was,  these  base-born  Sons  o'th'  Clergy 

knew 

What  was  their  proper  place,  and  kept  it  too. 
But  now  they  go  about  as  brave  and  bold 
As  any  Lords.     Such  is  the  pow'r  of  gold. 
"  You  see  the  Priest  possessed,  go  where 

you  will, 
Of  toll  and  tribute  from  each  farm  and 

mill ; 

And  thus  the  World  is  disciplined  to  ill. 
No  marvel  the  poor  People  go  astray, 


When,  blind  themselves,  the  Blind  lead  them 

the  way. 

"  Where  for  that  pattern  Pastor  shall  we  look 
Content  to  feed  and  not  to  shear  his  flock  ; 
Who  the  pure  precepts  of  the  Gospel  teaches, 
And  practises  the  doctrines  that  he  preaches  ; 
Who,  if  he  suffer  Wrong,  will  pardon  it, 
And  turn  his  right  cheek  if  his  left  be  smit ; 
Who  upon  worldly  treasures  sets  no  store, 
But  sells  his  all  and  gives  it  to  the  Poor  ? 
Alas !  much  readier  a  Priest  you'll  find 
To  pride,  revenge,  and  avarice  inclin'd. 
Such  set  the  Laity  a  vile  example, 
And  on  all  precepts  of  their  Master  trample. 
"  As  for  their  Bastards,  would  they  quiet  be, 
No  one  on  earth  would  notice  them,  you  see. 
'Tis  but  their  vanity  that  we  condemn  ; 
For  most  unjust  it  were  to  carp  at  them. 
It  is  not  Race  that  makes  us  great  or  good  ; 
Nor  shame  nor  honor  come  by  birth  or  blood. 
Let  Heralds  draw  what  fancied  lines  they  can, 
Virtue  and  Vice  alone  mark  man  from  man. 
The  honest  Priest  will  ever  honored  be  ; 
The  bad  be  shunned,  whate'er  his  pedigree  ; 
How  good  soe'er  the  sermons  he  may  preach, 
Folks  will  contrast  his  actions  with  his  speech. 
'  What  does  he  for  the  Church  ?  '  they'll  argue 

thus, 

'  He  who  is  ever  preaching  up  to  us — 
"Be  sure  you   keep   your  Church  in   good 

repair, 
"  My    Brethren,   if   of   Grace   you  wish  to 

share  : ' ' 
'  For  aught  he   does   himself,    while   us   he 

fleeces, 

'  The  sacred  edifice  might  fall  to  pieces.' 
"  In  costly  fare  and  sumptuous  array 
They  squander  more  than  half  their  wealth 

away. 
Engrossed  with  worldly   thoughts,  how  can 

they  spare 

Their  time  for  acts  of  piety  and  pray'r  ? 
While    the    good    Pastor — so    at    least    I've 

heard — 

Devotes  his  life  to  th'  service  of  the  Lord ; 
With  modest  temperance  and  sober  gaiety, 
Setting  a  good  example  to  the  Laity. 

"  Full  well  too  do  I  know  the  hooded  class  ; 
A  dirty,  frowzy,  hypocritic  Race  ; 
A  tribe  of  prowling,  prying  Creatures,  which 
Spend  their  whole  time  in  hunting  up  the 

Rich. 
Adepts  in  flattery,  they  reckon  most 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


51 


How  they  may  use  it  on  a  liberal  Host. 
If  one  but  get  a  footing,  three  or  four 
Are  sure  to  follow,  if  not  many  more. 
Who  in  the  cloister  only  longest  prates 
Is  sure  to  gain  promotion  o'er  his  Mates  ; 
Reader  he's  made,  Librarian  or  Prior, 
Or  he  may  even  mount  to  something  higher. 
Others,  as  good  as  he,  are  thrust  aside  ; 
The  prizes  so  unfairly  they  divide. 
Some  pass  their  time  in  fasting  and  in  pray'r, 
While  others  sleep  or  sumptuously  fare. 
"  As   for    your    Papal    Legates,   Prelates, 

Deans, 
Your  Abbesses,  your  Nijns,  and  your   Be- 

guines, 

What  tales  might  I  tell  of  them  if  I  would ; 
Yet  little  I  regret,  to  say,  that's  good. 
One  cry  they  always  have,  and  one  alone ; 
'T  is,  '  Give  me  yours  and  let  me  keep  my 

own.' 

But  few  there  are,  not  Ten  assuredly, 
Who  strictly  with  their  Founder's  rules  com- 

piy. 

'T  is  thus   the   Church   acquires  a  doubtful 

name, 
Is  brought  to  weakness,  and   sometimes  to 

shame." 

"  Uncle,"  the  Badger  said,  "  I  cannot  guess 
Why  you  should  other  People's  sins  confess. 
If  they've   done   111,  what  Good   is  that   to 

you? 

With  your  own  matters  you've  enough  to  do. 
Why  should  you  meddle  with  the  Priests  and 

Nuns? 
Sure  Mother  Church  can  manage  her  own 

Sons. 

Let  each  his  own  peculiar  burdens  bear ; 
Let  each  th'  account  of  his  own  deeds  pre- 
pare ; 

The  audit-day  will  surely  come,  which  none, 
Or  in,  or  out  a  cloister-walls,  can  shun. 
"You  talk  too  much  though  of  all  sorts  of 

things ; 

Scarce  can  I  follow  all  your  wanderings ; 
I  sometimes  fear  you'll  leave  me  in  the  lurch  ; 
Pity  you  did  not  go  into  the  Church. 
Great  as  your  lore,  you'd  there  find  scope  for 

it; 

I  should,  with  Others,  reap  the  benefit. 
The  most  of  us,  I  own,  are  Brutes  indeed, 
And  of  good  doctrine  stand  in  awful  need." 
Now  the  Court's  precincts  they  approached 

at  last ; 


Said  Reynard  to  himself — "  The  die  is  cast !  " 
When  on  the  road  Martin  the  Ape  they  met, 
Who  off  upon  a  tour  to  Rome  had  set ; 
And  both  he  kindly  greeted.     "  Uncle  dear," 
Thus   to   the   Fox,   "be  of  good   heart  and 

cheer." 

Then  questions  put  he  to  him,  not  a  few, 
Although  the  state  of  matters  well  he  knew. 
"  My  good  luck  seems  for  ever  to  have  fled," 
To  Martin  then  the  wily  Reynard  said  ; 
"Some   scurvy   Comrades,    moved   by   dirty 

spleen, 

Again,  I  find,  accusing  me  have  been. 
The  Rabbit  and  the  Crow  complain,  I  hear, 
That  one  has  lost  a  Wife,  and  one  an  ear. 
But  what  on  earth  has  that  to  do  with  me  ? 
That  would  I  make  them  pretty  quickly  see, 
If  to  the  King  I  could  but  get  to  speak ; 
My  cause  I  know  is  strong,  as  theirs  is  weak. 
But  still  I  labor  'neath  the  Papal  Ban, 
A  wretched  excommunicated  man  ! 
There's  not  a  Soul,  except  the  Prebendary, 
Can  rescue  me  from  out  this  sad  quandary. 
Unhappily,  though  why  I  cannot  tell, 
I   don't   stand,  somehow,   with    the    Clergy 

well. 

This  and  more  evils  to  a  vast  amount, 
I  suffer  upon  Isegrim's  account. 

"A  Monk  he  once  became ;  but  one  fine  day 
He  from  the  monastery  ran  away  : 
The  rules  he  found  too  rigid,  and  he  sware 
He  lost  his  time  in  fasting  and  in  pray'r. 
I  helped  his  flight ;  a  cause  of  deep  regret, 
Which  I  have  ever  felt  and  do  so  yet ; 
For  nought  since  then  he's  done  but  slander 

me, 

And  work  me  ev'ry  kind  of  injury. 
What  if  I  made  a  pilgrimage  to  Rome ; 
How  would  my  family  get  on  at  home? 
Isegrim  then  would  cause  them  endless  111 ; 
He'd  have  the  pow'r,  as  he  now  has  the  will. 
And  many  Others  are  there  who  design 
All  sorts  of  mischief  both  to  me  and  mine. 
If  from  this  awful  Ban  I  were  but  freed, 
My  cause  at  Court  were  certain  to  succeed  " 
Said  Martin,  "  I  am  glad  'tis  in  my   pow'r 
To  do  you  service  in  this  trying  hour. 
I  am  just  starting  on  a  tour  to  Rome; 
And  may  do  much  t'  ameliorate  your  doom. 
You  are   my  Kinsman ;    set    your  mind    at 

rest ; 

I  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  oppress' d. 
I've  some  weight,  as  the  Bishop's  Secretary ; 


52 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


I'll  make  him  cite  to  Rome  the   Prebendary  ; 
Against  him  in  your  cause  will  I  make  fight, 
And,  Uncle,  they  shall  do  you  ample  right. 
The  doom  of  Ban,  reversed  shall  shortly  be, 
Your  absolution  I'll  bring  back  with  me. 
Your  Foes  their  long  hostility  shall  rue, 
Losing  their  labor  and  their  money  too. 
I  know  how  causes  may  at  Rome  be  won, 
And  what  is  best  to  do,  what  leave  undone. 
My  Cousin,  Simon,  has  great  influence  ; 
For  our    name's   sake  he'll   favor  your   de- 
fence : 

There's  Gripeall  too,  Greedy  and  Eitherside, 
And  Turncoat,  and  I  know  not  who  beside. 
For  I  have  at  the  College  many  a  Friend, 
Who  to  our  cause  their  able  aid  will  lend  ; 
Or,  rather  let  me  say,  their  aid  will  sell ; 
For  only  those  they  help  who  fee  them  well. 
I've  sent  my  money  first,  for  that  alone 
Will  there  ensure  that  justice  shall  be  done. 
Loudly  they  talk  of  justice,  and  such  cant, 
But  'tis  your  money  that  they  really  want. 
How  crooked  be  a  cause,  or  intricate, 
The  touch  of  gold    will    make  it  plain   and 

straight. 

With  that  to  find  a  welcome  you  are  sure, 
Without  it,  closed  against  you  ev'ry  door. 
"Do  you  then,  Uncle,  stay  at  home  ;  while 

I 

Your  knotty  cause  will  manage  to  untie. 
To  Court  'twere  best  you  should  at  once  re- 
pair ; 
Seek  out   my   Wife,  Dame  Ruckenaw,  when 

there  ; 
She  's  a  shrewd  Soul,  and  with  the  King  and 

Queen 

A  special  Favorite  has  ever  been. 
Take  her  advice,  whate'er  she  recommend  ; 
There  's  nothing  but  she'll    do  t'    oblige    a 

Friend. 
On   many    a    staunch  Ally   you   there   will 

light; 

Such  often  help  one  more  than  being  right. 
Her  Sisters  two  are  sure  with  her  to  be, 
And  my  three  Children,  for  I  have  but  three  ; 
And  many  others  of  our  common  Kin, 
Who  '11  stoutly  stick  by   you,  through  thick 

and  thin. 

Should  justice  be  denied  you,  send  to  me, 
And  what  my  pow'r  is  you  shall  quickly  see.- 
An  awful  Evil  on  this  land  shall  fall, 
On  King,  Men,    Women,  Children,    one  and 
all; 


An  Interdict  shall  on  the  realm  be  laid  ; 
No  service  shall  be  sung,  no  mass  be  said  ; 
No   Christian  grave  receive  th'    unhouselei 

Dead. 

The  land  a  heathen  desert  will  I  make  ; 
Be  of  good  cheer  then,  Coz,  and  comfort  take. 
"  The  Pope  is  old,  nor  sound  in  mind  or 

limb; 
But  Few    he    cares  for,   and  None  care  for 

him. 

'T  is  Cardinal  Wiseacre  rules  the  Church, 
And  crows,  as  roosted  on  the  highest  perch  ; 
To  which  no  doubt  one  day  he  may  aspire, 
For  he  is  full  of  craft  and  full  of  fire. 
He  is  enamoured  of  a  certain  Dame, 
Whom  well   I  know,  and,  if  I  would,  coulJ 

name. 

Her  wishes  she  has  only  to  make  known  ; 
And  what  she  wishes,  is  as  good  as  done. 
"  But  many  tricks  and  frauds  are  playcJ 

at  Rome, 
Which   to  the   Pope's   ears  never  chance  to 

come. 

But  no  one  can  get  on  without  some  aid ; 
Friends  must  one  make,  or  buy  them  ready- 
made. 

Rely  on  me,  dear  Coz ;  the  King  well  knows, 
I  will  not  see  you  fall  before  your  Foes ; 
'T  were  just  as  well,  he  should  remember  too 
How  Many  kindred  claim,  with  me  and  you  : 
For  sober  counsel,  not  a  Family 
At  Court  can  with  the  Apes  and  Foxes  vie. 
This  cannot  fail  your  dangers  to  allay, 
Let  matters  even  take  what  turn  they  may." 
Reynard  replies,  "There's nothing,  dearest 

Coz, 
Gives   me   such   comfort   as   your  friendship 

does: 

I  shall  remember  it,  an  I  get  free." 
Then  each  the  other  greeted  courteously  ; 
And  tow'rds  the  Court,  to  face  his  angry  Foes, 
Reynard,  with  no  escort  but  Greybeard  goes. 

CHAPTER  THE  NINTH. 

THE   ADVOCACY. 

REYNARD  had  now  reached  Court,  and  still 

had  hope 

With  his  accusers  he  might  safely  cope ; 
Yet  when  his  numerous  foes  he  saw  arrayed, 
All  eager  for  revenge,  he  felt  dismayed  ; 
But  though  his  heart  might  tremble,  with  firm 

stride 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


He  passed  the  Barons,  Greybeard  by  his  side. 
Unto  the  Monarch's  throne  they  both  drew 

near, 
When  Greybeard  whispered  thus  in  Reynard's 

ear; 

''  Take  courage,   Uncle,   for  the  King  is  gra- 
cious ; 

And,  we  know,  fortune  favors  the  Audacious  : 
The  brave  love  danger  on  its  own  account, 
And  are  more  pleased  the  greater  its  amount." 
And  Reynard   answered,  "  What  you  say 

is  true ; 

Sage  your  advice  and  comfortable  too  ; 
Were  you  in  my  place  I'd  so  counsel  you." 
With  searching  eye  he  glanced  th'  assembly 

round, 
Where  many  Kinsmen,  but  few  Friends,  he 

found ; 

For  at  his  hands  the  most  but  ill  had  fared  ; 
The  Otter  nor  the  Beaver  had  he  spared ; 
None  but  he'd  played  some  pranks  on,  great 

or  small ; 

Yet  with  assurance  now  he  greets  them  all. 
And  down  before  the  throne  he  lowly  knelt, 
And    boldly  spake,   howe'er   he    may   have 

felt; 
"  May  Heav'n  above,  from  whom  no  thought 

or  thing 

Is  hidden,  long  preserve  my  Lord  the  King ; 
And  my  good  Lady  too  and  gracious  Queen, 
Whose  humblest  Vassal  I  am  proud  t'  have 

been ; 
And  grant  you  both  sound  judgment,  clear 

and  strong, . 
The  difference  to  discern  'tween  Right  and 

Wrong. 

For  falsehood  now  is  rife  in  ev'ry  spot ; 
Almost  all  men  appear  what  they  are  not. 
Would  each  man's  thoughts  were  writ  upon 

his  brow, 

So  that  his  secret  soul  the  King  might  know  ; 
Then  would  it  plainly  to  the  world  appear 
How  true  and  loyal  is  the  heart  I  bear. 
I  know  the  Wicked  rage  together  still, 
And  howl  against  me,  as  they  always  will. 
In  ev'ry  way  to  injure  me  they  strive, 
And  of  Your  countenance  would   quite  de- 
prive ; 

As  though  I  were  the  veriest  Wretch  alive. 
But  love  of  Justice  is  a  mighty  thing; 
None  own  its  pow'r  more  than  my  Lord  and 

King. 
Let  men  seek  to  mislead  him  as  they  may, 


From  the  straight  path  of  Right  he  ne'er  will 

stray." 
While  thus  he  spake  the  Courtiers  round 

him  throng, 
All  wond'ring  at  the  boldness  of  his  tongue. 

His  crimes  so  flagrant  and  notorious  were, 

That  each  was  anxious  his  defence  to  hear. 
"  Thou  Rascal  Reynard  !  "  thus  the  Mon- 
arch said, 

"Thy  glozing  speech  thy  cause  can  little  aid  ; 

On  thy  persuasive  arts  no  more  depend, 

Thy  shameless  course  at  length  hath  reach' d 
its  end. 

Thy  truth  and  loyalty  we  all  well  know, 

As  witness  here  the  Rabbit  and  the  Crow. 

Full  is  the  measure  of  thy  wickedness, 

And  craft  can   nought   avail   thee,  boldness 

less." 
Reynard,  uneasy  at  this  Royal  speech, 

Feared  now  the  King  he  might  not  over-reach, 

For  he  had  spoke  in  terms  precise  and  plain  ; 

Ah  !  how  he  wished  he  were  safe  home  again  ! 

But  wishing  now  could  do  him  little  good  ; 

He  must  get  through  it  the  best  way  he  could. 
"  Noblest  and  mightiest  of  Kings ;"  he  said. 

"  Though  you  decree  my  life  is  forfeited, 

I  fain  may  hope  that  You  will  hear  me  first ; 

You've  heard  but  one  side,  and  that  side  the 
worst. 

When  clouds  and  tempests  o'er  the  State  were 
hovering, 

Firm  have  I  stood  and  faithful  to  my  Sove- 
reign, 

When  some,   that   I  could  name,   have  fled 
their  post, 

Some   who   are   now   esteemed   and   favored 
most, 

Who  bravely  take  each  opportunity, 

When  I  am  absent,  most  to  slander  me. 

Hear  only  my  defence  and  then  decide ; 

My  doom,  whate'er  it  be,  I  must  abide. 
' '  Forgotten  is  my  service  to  the  State  ? 

How  I  have  early  watched  and  labored  late? 

If  of  all  crimes  not  quite  exempt  I  were, 

Of  my  free  will  should  I  now  venture  here  ? 

I  should  have  shunned  Your  presence  con- 
science-scared, 

Nor  my  Accusers  thus  to  meet  have  dared. 

Nay,  the  world's  treasures,  heaped  up  seven- 
fold, 

Should  not  have  drawn  me  forth  from  my 
strong-hold. 

Upon  my  native  heather  I  was  free, 


54 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  none  might  touch  me  with  impunity  ; 
But  my  good   Greybeard  with  the  message 

came 

That  I  was  wanted  here,  and  here  I  am  ! 
I  had  been  counsel  holding  with  the  Ape, 
How  from  the  Papal  Ban  I  might  escape ; 
And  he  had  promised  to  remove  the  whole 
Of  that  oppressive  burden  from  my  soul. 
'  I  will  myself,"  said  he,  '  to  Rome  resort ; 
'  Do  you,  without  delay,  repair  to  Court ; 
'  I'll  undertake  your  character  I'll  clear.' 
Such  his  advice  ;  he'd  own  it  were  he  here. 
Our  Bishop  knows  the  truth  of  much  I  state ; 
Five  years  has  Martin  been  his  Surrogate. 

"And  here  I  find  complaint  upon  complaint ; 
Enough  to  wear  the  patience  of  a  Saint. 
The  ogling  Rabbit  has,  I  hear,  a  case  ; 
Let  him  stand  forth  and  meet  me,  face  to  face  ! 
'  T  is  a  light  task  the  Absent  to  accuse ; 
But  none  to  hear  my  answer  can  refuse. 
Scurvy  Companions,  are  they,  by  my  troth  ! 
My  Guests  they've  been,  the  Crow  and  Rab- 
bit, both. 

"  'T  was  but  the  morning  before  yesterday, 
The  latter  tow'rds  my  dwelling  came  his  way ; 
He  greeted  me  in  passing,  soft  and  fair  ; 
I'd  just  begun  the  form  of  Morning  Pray'r. 
He  let  me  know  that  he  for  Court  was  bound ; 
I  said,  '  Heav'n  grant  you  get  there  safe  and 

sound.' 

He  spoke  of  empty  stomach,  weary  feet ; 
I  asked,  'Will  you  take  anything  to  eat?' 
'  I  fear  I  might  intrude  ; '   was  his  reply. 
'  Oh  !  not  the  slightest  in  the  world,'  said  I. 
I  fetched  some  wheaten  bread  and  cherries 

fresh  ; 

(On  Wedn'sdays  Tt  is  my  rule  to  eat  no  flesh ;) 
And  Master  Bunny  seemed  contented  quite, 
And  ate  his  bread  and  fruit  with  appetite. 
My  youngest  Son,  a  forward  little  Chap, 
Suddenly  jumped  into  the  Rabbit's  lap, 
To  see  if  he  might  chance  pick  up  a  scrap, 
'T  was  rude,  I  own,  but  the  Boy  meant  no  ill ; 
Children  you  know,  Sire,  will  be  Children 

still. 

But,  making  no  allowance  for  his  youth, 
The  brutal  Rabbit  struck  him  in  the  mouth. 
Poor  little  Russell !  't  was  too  bad  indeed  ; 
For  the  blow  made  his  lips  and  nostrils  bleed. 
And    then   my    eldest,    Greykin,    quick    as 

thought, 
Leapt  up  and  seized  th'   Aggressor   by  the 

throat ; 


His  game  he  played  and  'venged  his  Brother 

well ! 

'T  is  thus  exactly  how  the  thing  befell. 
I  ran  directly  that  I  heard  the  noise, . 
Rescued  the  Rabbit,  and  chastised  the  Boys. 
I  do  not  sympathize  with  him  a  jot, 
For  richly  he  deserved  whate'er  he  got. 
Had  I  meant  ill,  I  had  not  interposed  ; 
The  Young  Ones  his  account  would  soon  have 

closed. 

And  this  is  now  my  thanks  !  He  says,  I  hear, 
'T  was  I  myself  that  tore  his  stupid  ear. 
A  blund'ring  tale  !  I  think  my  powers  I  know 
Rather  too  well  to  botch  a  bus'ness  so. 

"As  for  the  Crow,  he  came  quite  out  of 

breath, 

And  said  his  Wife  had  ate  herself  to  death. 
Some  great  Fish  she  had  gorged,  gills,  bones 

and  all, 
Had  choked  her,  as  her  swallow  was    but 

small. 

The  truth  he  best  knows  ;  but  the  Slanderer 
Now  dares  assert  that  I  have  murdered  her ; 
May-be  he  did,  himself;  there's  none  can 

tell; 

For  my  own  part,  it  were  impossible  ; 
These  dingy  Devils,  when  they  choose  to  fly, 
No  spring  of  mine  could  reach,  however  high. 
"  Those  who  bring  forward  charges  such  as 

these 

Should  prove  them  by  trustworthy  witnesses. 
This  ev'ry  Freeman  may  of  right  demand  ; 
And  on  my  Right  I  boldly  take  my  stand. 
Are  there  no  proofs ;  another  course  is  clear  ; 
Lo  !  ready  to  do  battel  am  I  here  ! 
Let  both  the  day  and  place  be  now  assign'd  ; 
And  if  a  worthy  Advers'ry  I  find, 
In  birth  my  equal,  I'll  the  combat  dare; 
And  he  the  honor  who  then  wins  may  wear. 
Such  ever  was  the  rule  of  law  of  yore  ; 
So  be  it  now,  for  I  desire  no  more." 

All  stood  and  heard  and  wondered,  Beasts 

and  Birds, 

At  the  audacity  of  Reynard's  words. 
The  Crow  and  Rabbit  both  felt  dire  dismay, 
And  secretly  from  Court  they  stole  away  ; 
Nor  did  they  dare  another  word  to  say. 
They   muttered   to   each  other ;  "  'T  were 

indeed 

Unwise  against  him  further  to  proceed. 
Do  what  we  may,  no  better  should  we  be ; 
For  after  all,  what  Witnesses  have  we? 
The  truth  unto  ourselves  is  only  known, 


!;.:•':•>   /•/ 


-*•• 


IN,   SCULP 


/? 


G  V.  H  B  1  f,   &   CO 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


55 


For  with  the  Felon  we  were  each  alone. 

So  in  the  end  the  loss  on  us  would  fall. 

Oh  !  would  the  Devil  seize  him,  once  for  all ! 

And  he  proposes  battel  now  !     To  us  ! 

Truly  the  thought  is  too  preposterous  ! 

So  powerful  and  cunning  as  he  is  ; 

So  full  of  vigor  and  of  trickeries ! 

'T  would  take  to  face  him  five  as  good  as  we, 

And  even  then  he'd  beat  them  easily." 

Both  Isegrim  and  Bruin  groaned  with  ire, 
When  from  the  Court  they  saw  the  Twain  re- 
tire. 
"Are   any   present   here,"  then   said  the 

King, 
"Who   against   Reynard   have   a  charge  to 

bring  ? 

If  any  such  there  be,  let  them  advance ; 
For  he  stands  here  on  his  deliverance. 
There  were  enough  to  threaten  yesterday ; 
And  now  their  time  is  come  ;    but  where  are 

they?" 
Said   Reynard,    "  Ah  !    't  is   ever  the   old 

game ; 

Those  who  against  the  Absent  most  declaim, 
Boasting  what  they  could  do,  would   he  but 

come, 

When  he  arrives,  stay  prudently  at  home. 
These   Sland'rers  vile,    the   Rabbit  and  the 

Crow, 
Fain  would  have  brought  poor  me  to  shame 

and  woe. 

But  I  forgive,  since  they  are  penitent ; 
Most  thoroughly  ashamed  away  they  went. 
How  dangerous  it  is,  you  all  have  seen, 
T'  encourage  those  who  slander  absent  men. 
They  scruple  not  the  truth  aside  to  wrest, 
And  victimise  the  Wisest  and  the  Best. 
To  Others  only  do  these  words  apply, 
Of  little  moment  to  the  State  am  I." 

"Hear  me!"  exclaimed  the  King,  "  thou 

Traitor  wild  ! 

Say,  where  is  Puss,  the  Gentle  and  the  Mild ''. 
My  brave  and  trusty  Courier  was  he, 
And  treacherously  slain  hath  been  by  thee. 
Had   I   not    pardoned    thee    thy   numerous 

crimes  ? 

Equipped  thee  forth  to  visit  holy  climes, 
With  scrip  and  staff  and  other  pilgrim  gear, 
Believing  thy  repentance  was  sincere  ? 
And  thy  first  act  was  my  poor  Puss  to  kill ! 
Bellyn  thou  mad'st  thy  Messenger  of  ill : 
He  in  thy  wallet  brought  the  mangled  head  ; 
And  here  in  open  Court  unblushing  said, 


He  brought  despatches  which  you  both   had 

framed, 

Though  he  the  larger  share  of  merit  claimed  : 
But  in  the  wallet  was  the  head  alone  ! 
Bellyn  hath  paid  the  penalty 
And  the  same  fate  awaits  on  thee. 
One  though  hath  suffered  for  the  base  design  ; 
Bellyn  hath  lost  his  life  ;  look  thou  to  thine  !" 
"Great  Heav'ns  !    What  do  I  hear?"  sly 

Reynard  said, 
"Puss   murdered!     Gracious    Pow'rs!     and 

Bellyn  dead ! 

Oh,  fatal  hour !  oh,  cursed  love  of  pelf! 
Alas!  alas!  that  I  were  dead  myself! 
With  them  the  choicest  treasures  have  I  lost ! 
Jewels,  such  as  the  wide  world  cannot  boast ! 
The  rarest  things  by  them  I  sent  for  You  ; 
For  I  believed  them  loyal  both,  and  true. 
Of  Bellyn  who  would  credit  such  a  thing, 
His  Friend  to  murder  and  to  rob  his  King  ? 
Who  on  this  earth  could  e'er  expect  to  find 
Such  craft  with  such  simplicity  combin'd  ?" 
To  hear  him  out  the  Monarch  would  not 

stay, 

He  rose  and  tow'rds  his  palace  took  his  way; 
Nor  caught  distinctly  all  that  Reynard  spake : 
Determined  was  he  deep  revenge  to  take. 
To  his  own  closet  did  he  straight  withdraw, 
And  found  the  Queen  there  with  Dame  Rucke- 

naw  ; 

A  special  Fav'rite  had  she  ever  been, 
The  sly  She-ape,   both  with   the   King  and 

Queen  ; 

She  haply  now  might  do  the  Fox  some  good  ; 
For  she  was  wise  and  wary,  sage  and  shrewd. 
Full  soon  the  shrew  Dame  Ruckeuaw 
Observed  the  cloud  on  Noble's  brow, 
And  sought  to  lull  the  storm  to  rest, 
Which   raged  within  the  Monarch's  breast, 
"  Dread,  sire  !  "   quoth  she,  "  if  in  thy  rage 
Thine  humblest  servant  dare  to  wage 
A  word,  impute  it  to  the  zeal 
I  ever  for  thine  honor  feel ; 
Sir  Reynard  whatsoe'er  he  be, 
Is  of  my  blood  and  family, 
And  as  at  Court  he  has  appeared, 
'T  is  fit  that  his  defence  be  heard. 
Had  not  his  Father,  whose  fame  still  endures, 
And  who  was  graced  and  countenanced  by 

Yours, 

With  evil  tongues  for  ever  to  contend, 
And  from  false  charges  his  good  name  de- 
fend? 


66 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


But  still  his  Foes  he  baffled  in  the  end. 
When  thoroughly  was  sifted  the  affair, 
'T  was  found  what  close  inspection  it  would 

bear. 
Although  his  Sland'rers  charged  him  many  a 

time 

With  incapacity,  as  well  as  crime ; 
Yet  he  retained  his  station  to  the  last, 
And,  as   the   Bear  and  Wolf  are  now,   was 

grac'd. 
'Twould  be  as  well  if  they  themselves  could 

clear 
From    all   that   'gainst  their   characters    we 

hear. 

But  of  the  rules  of  Right  they  nothing  know  ; 
Both  what  they  say  proves  this,  as  what  they 

do." 

Then  the  King  answered  ;   "  Can  you  won- 
der, Dame, 

That  Reynard's  conduct  should  my  wrath  in- 
flame ? 

My  trusty  Hare  did  he  not  basely  slay  ? 
And  lead  that  Simpleton,  the  Ram,  astray  ? 
And  now  presumes  in  open  Court,  forsooth, 
To  boast  about  his  loyalty  and  truth  ; 
When  by  the  gen'ral  voice  accused  he  stands, 
Of  crimes  unnumbered  as  the  ocean  sands  ! 
'T  is  proved  beyond  the  shadow  of  a  doubt, 
He  breaks  My  peace  and  sets  My  laws  at 

nought. 

With  robberies  and  murders,  day  and  night, 
My  land  and  Lieges  doth  he  vex  and  fright ! 
I'll  bear  no  more  !  "  Then  answered  the  She- 
ape; 

"  Not  ev'ry  one  his  course  can  wisely  shape. 
'T  is  hard  to  please  all  men,  and  giv'nto  few 
Both  to  deserve  success  and  get  it  too : 
And  he  who  prospers,  in  his  path  shall  find 
Honor  before,  Envy  and  Hate  behind  ; 
His  Foes  in  secret  will  his  ruin  scheme, 
When  open  fight  too  dangerous  they  deem. 
"  And  many  a  time  has  this  to  Reynard 

happed. 

It  cannot  have  Your  memory  escaped, 
How  often  to  your  rescue  he  hath  come, 
With   counsel   sage,  when  all  the  rest  were 

dumb. 
What  fine  discernment  through  his  judgment 

ran 

In  that  late  leading  case  of  '  Snake  and  Man.' 
None  could  decide  the  issue  that  was  raised, 
But  he  alone  ;  how  was  his  wisdom  praised  ?'' 
Noble  the  King  reflected  a  brief  space, 


Then  answered  ;  "  Yes,  I  recollect  the  case  ; 

But  all  the  details  I  have  quite  forgot. 

'T  was  most  confused  and  tangled  ;    was  it 

not? 

I  pray  you,  if  you  can,  the  facts  relate." 
"  Briefly,"  said  she,   "the  whole  affair  I'll 

state. 

"  Two  years  ago,  a  Snake  of  Dragon  race 
Loudly  accused  a  Peasant  to  Your  Grace. 
The  Man  refused  her  justice,  she  complained, 
Though  twice  against  him  she  had  judgment 

gained. 

The  Man  appearing  to  defend  the  wrong, 
She  entered  on  her  case  with  eager  tongue. 
"  Through  a  small  op'ning  in  a  hedge  one 

day 
The  Snake,  it   seem'd,  had  tried  to  force  her 

way  ; 

A  springe  there  was  before  the  op'ning  plac'd, 
Which,  as  she  entered,  caught  and  held  her 

fast. 
She  must  perforce  have  perished  where  she 

lay. 

But  that  a  Trav'ller  chanced  to  pass  that  way  ; 
To  whom  she  loudly  cried  ;  '  Oh  !  pity  me ! 
'  Let  me  implore  thee,  Sir  !  and  set  me  free  ! ' 
And   the  Man  said ;   « Well,  I   will  let   thee 

loose ; 
'  'T  is  hard  to   see  thee   strangling  in   that 

noose. 

'  Yet  ere  I  do  it,  thou  must  frankly  swear 
'  From  ev'ry  mischief  tow'rds  me  to  forbear.' 
A  solemn  oath  the  anxious  Dragon  vowed, 
Ne'er  to  harm  him  to  whom  her  life  she  owed. 
Then  from  the  snare  the  Man  the  Snake  re- 
leased ; 
All  gratitude  she  was,  or  seemed  at  least. 

''  They  travelled  on  together,  but  ere  long 
The  Dragon  felt  the  pains  of  hunger  strong, 
And  in  a  moment  on  the  Man  she  flew, 
Thinking  to  strangle  and  devour  him  too. 
With  fearful  energy  he  sprang  aside, 
And  '  Oh  !  is  this  your  gratitude  ? '  he  cried, 
'  Is  this  the  way  you  keep  that  awful  oath  ?  ' 
Said  she,  'To  break  it  I  am  truly  loath, 
'  But  I  am  positively  faint  with  hunger ; 
'  I  feel  a  gnawing  I  can  bear  no  longer. 
'  I  know  how  shocking  is  ingratitude ; 
'  But  cannot  perish  here  for  want  of  food.' 
'  Spare  me  a  little  yet ; '  the  Man  replied ; 
'  Some  People  we  may  meet  who  shall  decide, 
'  Impartial  Judges  betwixt  thee  and  me.' 
'  Well ! '  tartly  said  the  Snake  ;  '  so  let  it  be  !' 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


67 


"  They  journey'd  on,  till,  coming  to  a  pond, 
Strongnib,  the    Raven,    with   his    Son  they 

found ; 
His  name    was    Little   Beaky.       These    the 

Snake 

Begged  the  arbitrament  to  undertake. 
The  Raven  heard   the  case  with  thoughtful 

care, 

And,  hoping  to  himself  might  fall  a  share, 
Straight  gave  his  judgment  that  the  Man  be 

eaten. 
'  Now,'  cried  the  Snake  triumphant,  '  I  have 

beaten ; 
'  My  honest  purpose  shall  no  more  be  crost.' 

*  Nay,'  said  the  Man,  '  I  have  not  fairly  lost. 

«  How  shall  a  Thief  on  life  and  death  decide  ? 
'  Or  such  a  case  by  one  sole  Judge  be  tried  ? 
'  I  stand  upon  my  Right  and  shall  appeal ; 
'  A  Court  of  four  or  ten  I  safe  might  feel.' 
4  Come  on  then,'  said  the  Snake  ;  and  off  they 

set; 
Ere  long  with  both  the   Wolf  and  Bear  they 

met. 
The  poor  Man  now  was  seized  with  mortal 

terror ; 

Sure  five  such  Judges  never  sat  in  error  ; 
A  Bear,  a  Wolf,  two  Ravens,  and  a  Snake  ; 
Well    might    th'    Appellant    for  his    safety 

quake. 

The  hungry  Court  were  soon  unanimous  ; 
And    the    grim    Wolf    delivered   judgment 

thus ; — 
'  The  Snake  beyond  all  doubt  the  Man  might 

kill, 
4  Yet  keep  her  conscience  quite  unburdened 

still ; 

*  'T  was  plain  no  law  necessity  could  know, 
4  And  hunger  would  release  from  any  vow.' 

"  Anxious  enough    the  Man  was,  for  the 

five 
Had  plain  made  up  their   minds  he  should 

not  live. 
Then  darting  forth  her  forked  and  pois'nous 

tongue 

Again  the  Snake  upon  the  Trav'ller  sprung. 
He  leap' d  aside  with  prompt  dexterity, 
Crying,  'Who  gave  thee  power  over  me?  ' 
'Twice  thou  thyself  hast  heard   it;'  she  re- 
plied ; 

'Twice  has  the  judgment  been  upon  my  side.' 
Then  said  the   Man,   '  Judges   yourselves  ye 

call! 
Robbers  and  Murd'rers  are  ye,  one  and  all !' 


'  You  and  your  judgment  I  repudiate; 
'  King  Noble  only  shall  decide  my  fate  ; 
'  To  him  do  I  appeal ;  to  his  decree 
'  Will  I  submit,  though  adverse  it  should  be.' 
"  Then  said  the  Wolf  and  Bear  with  jeering 

grin, 

'  You'd  better  try  ;  the  Snake  is  sure  to  win.' 
They  thought  no   doubt   that  the  assembled 

Peers 
Would  counsel  You,  Sire,  just  like  Wolves  and 

Bears. 
Five  pressed   against   poor  One,   his  life  to 

take  ; 
The   Wolf,  the   Bear,   the   Ravens,   and  the 

Snake. 

The  Wolf  indeed  put  in  a  triple  claim  ; 
His   Sons,    Thinpaunch   and  Greedyguts  by 

name, 
Each  hoped  to    have    a    share  of   the  poor 

Man  ; 

A  terrible  disturbance  these  began  ; 
Howling  and  clamoring  in  such  a  sort, 
That    both   were    promptly   ordered  out  of 

Court. 

"  Humbly  imploring  justice  of  your  Grace, 
Then  did  the  Man  begin  to  state  his  case  ; — 
The  Snake  now  wish'd  to  kill  him,  heedless 

both 

Of  all  his  kindness,  and  her  solemn  oath. 
The  facts  the  Snake  knew  could  not  be  denied, 

hence 

She  pleaded,  in  confession  and  avoidance, 
Th'  almighty  power  of  hunger  was  the  cause, 
Which  owns  no  master,  and  obeys  no  laws. 
"Sore  puzzled  were  You,   Sire,  how  to  de- 
cide ; 

Solution  it  appeared  the  case  defied  ; 
Hard  to  condemn  the  honest  Man  it  seemed ; 
And  hard  to  bear  sharp  hunger's  tooth,  You 

deemed. 
Your  Council  then  You  summoned  to  Your 

aid, 

Who  only  more  involved  the  question  made  ; 
Most  part  gave  judgment  that  the  man  should 

die, 

But  gave  their  reasons  too,  unluckily  ; 
And  these  so  bad  and  inconsistent  were, 
The  more  they  gave  the  more  they  'broiled 

th'  affair. 

For  Reynard,  as  a  last  resource,  You  sent; 
He  came  and  heard  afresh  the  argument ; 
You  the  decision  left  to  him  alone, 
And  said  as  he  adjudged,  it  should  be  done. 


58 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


"Then    Reynard    said,    'Ere  I  decide  the 

case, 

1  'T  is  needful  I  should  go  and  view  the  place  ; 
•And  see  the  very  way  the  Snake  was  bound, 
1  When  by  the  Traveller  she  first  was  found.' 
So  to  the  spot  they  sallied,  and  when  there, 
The  Snake  again  was  fastened  in  the  snare ; 
Thus  matters  stood  exactly  as  they  were. 
"  Then     Reynard     gave    his    judgment : 

4  Things  are  now 

'  Just  as  before  the  cause  arose  below  ; 
4  And  neither  party  can  of  triumph  boast, 
'  For  neither  now  has  won,  and  neither  lost ; 
'  And  as  the  circumstances  now  appear, 
1  The  justice  of  the  case  to  me  seems  clear  : 
4  If  the  Man  please  to  do  so,  from  the  noose 
1  The  Snake,  upon  her  oath,  he  may  let  loose ; 
4  If  not,  then  he  can  let  her  hang  there  still, 
4  And  go  about  his  bus' ness  if  he  will. 
4  Such  are  my  views :  if  better  here  there 

be, 
4  Impart  them  ;  or,   if  not,   use   these  with 

me.' 

44  Reynard's  decision  of  this  weighty  cause 
Met  at  that  time  with  general  applause, 
From  you,  my  Liege,  and  all  who  knew  the 

laws. 
The   Man   vowed   better  it  could   not   have 

been  ; 
It  even  gained  th'  approval  of  the  Queen. 

"  'T  was  on  all  hands  agreed  that  fitter  far 
Bruin  and  Is  'grim  were  to  serve  in  war; 
For  they  were  known  and  feared  in  ev'ry 

spot, 
And   gladly  went  where  plunder  might  be 

got. 
Strong  are   they,   big  and  bold;  that   none 

denies, 
Yet  are  their  words  more  bold  and  big  than 

wise ; 
And  too  much  of  their  strength  alone  they 

brag, 

While  in  the  field  behind  they  often  lag. 
At  home  the  Bravest  of  the  Brave  are  they  ; 
At  home  too  always  they  prefer  to  stay  : 
In  sooth  the  Bears  and  Wolves  eat  up  the 

land  ; 
'Gainst  their  united  force  there  's  nought  can 

stand. 
What  matters  it  to  them  whose  house  may 

burn? 
To  warm  them  by  the  flames  will  serve  their 

turn. 


What  matters  it  to  them  who  pine  or  starve  ? 
While  their  own  meals  they  take  good  care  to 

carve. 
They  gulp  the  yolk,  and  leave  the  shell,  and 

swear 

That  the  partition  is  most  just  and  fair. 
Reynard  the  Fox  though,  on  the  other  hand, 
The  rules  of  justice  well  doth  understand  ; 
And  if  some  evil  he  perchance  have  done, 
Remember,  Sire,  he  is  not  made  of  stone. 
A  wiser  Counsellor  You  ne'er  shall  meet ; 
Hence  am  I  bold  his  pardon  to  entreat." 

And  the  King  said ;  "I  must  awhile  reflect. 
The  judgment  I  distinctly  recollect; 
Justice  was  done  unto  the  Snake,  't  is  plain  ; 
Yet  still  a  Rogue  is  Reynard  in  the  main. 
Who  trusts      him    is     deceived   beyond  all 

doubt ; 

No  bonds  so  tight  but  he  will  wriggle  out. 
The  Wolf,  the  Bear,  the  Cat  before  ;  and  now 
Hath  he  assailed  the  Rabbit  and  the  Crow ; 
One  of  an  eye,  another  of  an  ear, 
A  third  of  life  itself  he  spoils,  you  hear ; 
And  yet,  though  why  I  cannot  comprehend, 
You  seek  the  odious  monster  to  defend." 

"  Ah  !  Sire,  I  cannot  from  myself  conceal 

The  service  he  hath  done  the  Commonweal ;  " 

Thus  the  Ape  answered  ;  "  nor  will  you  deny 

How  num'rous  are  his  Friends  and  Family." 

Then  rose  the  King  of  Beasts  and  issued 

straight 
To  where  th'   assembled   Court  his  coming 

wait. 

Round  that  vast  circle  as  he  cast  his  eyes, 
A  host  of  Reynard's  Relatives  he  spies; 
To  vindicate  their  Kinsman's  cause  they  came, 
And  in  such  numbers  they  were  hard  to  name ; 
They  ranged  together  close :  on  th'  other  side 
The  num'rous  Foes  of  Reynard  he  descried  ; 
The  Court  they  seemed  between  them  to  di- 
vide. 
And  thus  began  the  Monarch  ;  4l  Reynard, 

hear; 
Thyself  from  this  one  crime  how  canst  thou 

clear  ? 

By  thee,  with  Bellyn's  help,  the  Hare  is  dead ; 
And  as  a  despatch  thou  send'st  Me  back  his 

head. 
'T  was  done  to  mock  My  pow'r,  that  well  I 

know  ; 

But  Bellyn  has  atoned,  and  so  must  thou." 
44  Woe's  me !  would  I  were  dead !  "  the  Fox 

replied ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


59 


"  But  as  You  find  the  truth,  Sire,  so  decide. 

If  I  am  guilty,  let  me  die,  and  shame 

Fall  as  a  heritage  upon  my  name. 

Bellyn,  the  Traitor  vile,  hath  filch'd  from  me 

The  rarest  Treasure  eye  did  ever  see. 

To  him  and  Puss  't  was  giv'n ;  and  sure  I  am, 

That  Puss  was  robbed  and  murdered  by  the 

Ram. 
Oh !   could  it  be  but  found ;  though  much  I 

fear 

It  never  more  to  daylight  will  appear." 
"Nay,"  said  the  sly  She-ape,  "why  thus 

despond  ? 

If  't  is  on  earth  it  surely  may  be  found. 
Early  and  late  we'll  seek  and  never  tire  ; 
Of  Priests,  as  well  as  Laymen,  we  '11  inquire. 
But,  that  our  labor  may  not  be  in  vain, 
What  were  the  Jewels  like  'twere  best  ex- 
plain." 
"Ah,  well-a-day  !  "  said  Reynard;    "but 

they  were 
Such  wondrous   costly  things,   so  rich   and 

rare! 

To  get  them  back  I  have  but  little  hope  ; 
None  but  an  Idiot  e'er  would  give  them  up. 
How  will  it  vex  poor  Ermeiyne,  my  wife ; 
I  fear  she  '11  not  forgive  me  all  her  life. 
For,  doubting  Bellyn,  if  not  Pussy  too, 
She  begged  me  not  to  let  the  Treasures  go. 
"I  would  commence  the  search  this  very 

day ; 

But  these  false  charges  force  me  here  to  stay ; 
I  'm  bound  in  honor  to  defend  my  Right, 
By  the  bold  ordeal  of  judicial  fight. 
If  I  succeed, — as  sure  succeed  I  must, 
Since  I  am  innocent  and  Heav'n  is  just, — 
Unsought  I  will  not  leave  one  spot  of  ground, 
But  these  lost  Jewels  shall  again  be  found." 


CHAPTER  THE  TENTH. 

THE    SECOND    PARDON. 

" My  Liege  !'' thus   ran   the   Fox's  crafty 

speech  ; 

"Before  my  Friends  a  hearing  I  beseech  ; 
What  Treasures  let  them  learn  for  You  were 

sent; 
For  though  't  was  foiled,  yet  good  was  mine 

intent ; 

On  me  the  blame  falls  not,  but  on  the  Thief." 
"  Say  on  ;  "  the  Monarch  answered,  "  but  be 

brief." 


"  Honor  and  Faith,  alas  !  from  earth  have 

fled  !  " 
With   well-dissembled   grief    then    Reynard 

said : 

"  The  first  of  these  choice  Jewels  was  a  Ring ; 
Designed  a  special  present  for  my  King. 
Of  finest,  purest  gold  this  Ring  was  cast ; 
Yet  was  the  substance  by  the  work  surpass' d ; 
E'en  the  Crown  Jewels  't  would  not  have  dis- 

grac'd. 

On  th'  inner  side,  that  next  the  finger  worn, 
Engraven  letters  did  the  hoop  adorn  ; 
Three  Hebrew  words  of  meaning  strange  they 

were; 

Few  in  this  land  could  read  the  character. 
To  Master  Abryon  of  Triers  alone, 
The   meaning   of  those    mystic   words    was 

known : 

He  is  a  wise  and  very  learned  Jew, 
Skilled  in  all  tongues  'twixt  Luen'burg  and 

Peru; 

With  stones  and  herbs  is  he  acquainted  well ; 
Knows  of  what  use  each  one  is  capable. 
He  said,  when  unto  him  I  showed  the  Ring  ; 
'  Concealed  here  lies  full  many  a  curious  thing  ; 
'  These  three  engraven  names,  from  Paradise 
'  Were  brought  of  yore  by  Seth,  the  Good  and 

Wise; 

'  When  he,  of  coming  Ills  to  Man  fore-taught, 
'  In  Eden's  bow'rs  the  Oil  of  Mercy  sought. 
'  Who  on  his  finger  wears  this  Ring  shall  be 
'  From  ev'ry  risk  and  peril  always  free ; 
'  Lightning  nor  thunder-bolt  nor  magic  charm 
'  Shall  potent  be  to  work  him  woe  or  harm.' 
And  furthermore  the  cunning  Master  said, 
Whose  finger  bore  that  Ring,  so  he  had  read, 
Should  never  freeze  in  winter's  direst  cold, 
And  calmly  live  in  years  and  honors  old. 

"  On  th'  outer  side  was  set  a  precious  Stone, 
A  brilliant  Carbuncle  by  night  that  shone, 
And,  with  its  clear  and  phosphorescent  ray, 
All  things  discovered,  plain  as  it  were  day. 
Great  pow'rs  too  had  this  Stone  the  Sick  to 

heal ; 
Whoso  but  touched  it  free  from  crime  should 

feel; 

Nor  grief  nor  trouble  could  his  mind  disturb  ; 
The  pow'r  of  Death  alone  it  could  not  curb. 
And  the  sage  Master  unto  me  made  known 
The  future  virtues  of  this  wond'rous  Stone  ; 
As  thus  ;  the  proud  Possessor  of  the  Gem 
Both  fire  and  water  may  alike  contemn  ; 
Safe  from  the  power  of  each  Enemy, 


60 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Betrayed  or  captured  can  he  never  be. 

If  fasting,  on  the  Stone  he  gaze,  fourscore 

Of  Foes  shall  he  o'ercome  in  fight,  and   more. 

The  virtues  of  that  Jewel  can  reduce 

The  strength  of  poison  and  each  deadly  juice. 

Hate  it  at  once  will  quell  ;  nay,  e'en  will  oft- 
en 

The  hearts  of  those  you  have  befriended  soft- 
en. 

"  But  who  could  count  this  Jewel's  virtues 
o'er? 

I  found  it  haply  'mong  my  Father's  store  ; 

And  kept  it  ever  sacred  for  my  King : 

Myself  I  knew  unworthy  such  a  Ring. 

Of  right  it  appertained  to  him  alone, 

Whose  virtues  shed  a  lustre  on  his  Throne  ; 

On  whom  depend  our  hopes  and  welfare  still, 

Whose  life  I've  ever  guarded,  ever  will. 
"  I  trusted  also,  luckless  that  I  am  ! 

A  Comb  and  Mirror  to  that  treach'rous  Ram. 

I  hoped  that  they  accepted  might  have  been, 

As  a  memorial,  by  my  gracious  Queen. 

They  were,  in  sooth,  most  precious  works  of 
art, 

And  form'd  too  of  my  Father's  hoard  a  part. 

Coveted  were  they  greatly  by  my  Wife, 

And  caused,  alas  !  between  us,  frequent  strife ; 

She  fairly  longed  for  them,  she  used  to  say  ; 

But  yet  I  ne'er  a  single  inch  gave  way. 

"  Both  Comb  and  Mirror  I,  with  best  intent, 

Unto  my  gracious  Lady  freely  sent. 

A  benefactress  kind  in  Her  I  see  ; 

From  Evil  hath  she  ever  shielded  me  ; 

When  slan'drous  charges  'gainst  me  were  pre- 
ferr'd, 

She  oft  hath  interposed  a  friendly  word. 

Royal  She  is  by  qualities  and  birth  ; 

And  both  by  words  and  works  She  proves  her 
worth. 

None  so   deserved   those  Treasures  as     my 
Queen ; 

And  yet  their  beauty  hath  She  never  seen  ; 

And — ah  !  that  I  should  say  so — never  will ! 

To  find  them  now,  I  fear,  is  past  all  skill. 
"  First  of  the  Comb   to   speak.     To  fashion 
that, 

The  Artist  took  bones  of  the  Civet-cat ; 

That  wond'rous  Beast  that  lives   on   flow'rs 
and  spice, 

And  dwells  'twixt  India's   shores   and  Para- 
dise. 

Dyed  is  his  skin  with  tints  of  various  hues  ; 

And  sweetest  odors  round  doth  he  diffuse  ; 


Hence  do  all  other  Beasts  his  footsteps  trace, 
And  follow  him  about  from  place  to  place  ; 
For  they  all  feel  and  know,  his  very  smell 
Is  certain  to  preserve  them  sound  and  well. 
'T  was  of  such  bone  this  precious   Comb  was 

made  ; 

His  rarest  skill  the  Artist  had  displayed  ; 
It  equalled  polished  silver  in  its  brightness, 
And  e'en  surpassed  it  in  its   lustrous   white- 
ness ; 

Its  scent  excelled   cloves,    pinks  and   cinna- 
mon ; 

For  the  Beast's  odor  lives  in  ev'ry  bone  ; 
Corruption  may  his  fleshly  frame  assail, 
But  o'er  his  skeleton  can  nought  prevail  ; 
This  never  knows  decay  or  gives  oflence, 
But  keeps  away  all  plague  and  pestilence. 
"  Upon  the  Comb's  broad  back   one   might 

behold 
A  large  blue  Stone  engrained  with  threads  of 

gold  ; 

Where  stood  in  figures,  carved  in  high  relief, 
The  tale  of  Paris,  the  young  Trojan  Chief; 
Who  one  day,  sitting  by  a  river's  strand, 
Three  Godlike  Women  saw  before  him  stand  ; 
Juno,  Minerva,  Venus,  were  they  named  ; 
Each  for  herself  had  long  an  Apple  claimed ; — 
Though  once  't  was  common  to   them  all  in- 
deed;— 

To  end  this  strife,  at  length  they  thus  agreed  ; 
Paris  the  golden  Apple  should  decree 
To  her  he  judged  the  Fairest  of  the  Three, 
And  hers  alone  it  evermore  should  be. 
All  Three  the  Vouth  with  curious  eve  sur- 
veyed ; 

'  Let  me  be  fairest  held,'  thus  Juno  said  ; 
'  Let  but  the  Apple  be  decreed  as  mine  ; 
'  And  riches  infinite  henceforth  are  thine.' 
Minerva  then  ;   '  The  prize  on  me  bestow, 
'  And  mighty  shalt  thou  be  on  earth  below ; 
'  Dreadful  thy  name  alike  to  Friend  and  Foe.' 
Last,    Venus;    'Why   to    Wealth    or    Might 

aspire  ? 

'  Is  not  King  Priamus  of  Troy  thy  Sire  ? 
'  Are  not  thy  Brethren,  Hector  and  the  rest, 
'  Supreme  in  wealth  and  pow'r  by  All  con- 
fessed ? 
'  And  while  their  arms  still  shelter  Troy,  your 

sway 

'Does  not  this  land,  and  foreign  realms  obey? 
'  If  Beauty's  Prize  thou  unto  me  award, 
'Thine  the  best  treasure  Earth  can  e'er  af- 
ford; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


61 


'  That  treasure  is  a  Woman  past  compare, 
'As  noble  and  prudent,  virtuous  and  fair  : 
'  Give  me  the  Apple ;  Greece's  peerless  Queen 
'Thou   shalt   possess;    Helen   the  famed,    I 

mean.' 

To  her  the  Apple  then  awarded  he, 
Adjudging  her  the  Fairest  of  the  Three. 
He  by  her  friendly  aid  that  Lady  gay, 
The  Spouse  of  Menelaus,  stole  away  ; 
And  long  did  her  sweet  fellowship  enjoy, 
Secure  within  the  sacred  walls  of  Troy. 

"  Carved  was  this  story  on  a  middle  field  ; 
Round  which,  with  graven  words,  stood  many 

a  shield ; 

That  whoso  took  the  Comb  up  in  his  hand, 
The  fable  there  might  read  and  understand. 

"  Next  of  the  Mirror  hear.  In  lieu  of  glass, 
A  clear  and  beauteous  Berylstone  there  was  ; 
All  things  were  shewn  therein,  though  miles 

away ; 

And  that,  by  night  as  plainly  as  by  day. 
Whoso  upon  his  face  or  speck  or  spot, 
Or  in  his  eye  perchance  a  cock  had  got, 
Let  him  but  gaze  upon  that  Mirror  clear, 
And  ev'ry  blemish  straight  should  disappear. 
Who   would   not,   having    such    a  treasure, 

boast? 

Who  would  not  grieve  for  such  a  treasure  lost  ? 

"  Out  of  a  costly  wood  was  made  the  frame, 

Close-grained  and    shining ;    Shittim   is   its 

name; 

No  worm  can  pierce  it ;  and  men  justly  hold, 
'T  is  more  than  equal  to  its  weight  in  gold, 
The  nearest  that  comes  to  it  in  degree, 
For  its  rare  qualities,  is  Ebony. 
'T  was  of  this  wood,  so  shining  and  close- 
grained, 
In   days   of   yore,    when   King   Crompardes 

reign'd, 

A  cunning  Artist  framed  a  wond'rous  Steed, 
Of  mighty  powers  and  unrivalled  speed  ; 
His  Rider  in  a  short  hour's  space  he  bore, 
With  greatest  ease,   one   hundred  miles,   or 

more. 

I  know  not  all  the  facts  ;  but  any  how 
A  Steed  like  that  you  cannot  meet  with  now. 
"The  Mirror's  border,  for  a  good  foot  wide, 
With  exquisite  carved  work  was  beautified  ; 
And  'neath  each  subject  an  inscription  stood, 
In  golden  letters,  which  its  meaning  shew'd. 
"  Briefly  of  each  of  these  will  I  discourse: 
First  came  the  story  of  the  envious  Horse ; 
Who,  racing  for  a  wager  with  a  Stag, 


Was  greatly  vexed  so  far  behind  to  lag. 

'  Shepherd,  on  the  plain,  he  thus  address'd; 

1 1  '11  make  thee  wealthy,  do  but  my  behest. 

« A  Stag  has  hid  himself  in  yonder  brake  ; 

'  I  '11  carry  thee ;  mount  boldly  on  my  back  ; 

'  Him  thou  shalt  slay,  and  flesh  and  horns 
and  fell 

'  In  the  next  market  town  canst  dearly  sell. 

'  Mount  on  my  back  at  once  ;  we  '11  give  him 
chase ; 

'  I  '11  venture,'  said  the  Swain,  '  in  any  case  ; 

'  No  harm  can  come  of  the  experiment.' 

So  up  he  mounted,  and  away  they  went. 

The  Stag  they  saw  a  little  way  ahead  ; 

They  followed  fast,  and  fast  away  he  fled, 

Till  the  earth  trembled  under  their  thunder- 
ing tread. 

Long  the  Chase  lasted,  but  the  nimble  Hart 

Of  his  Pursuers  had,  and  kept  the  start ; 

Until  at  length,  relaxing  in  his  speed, 

Thus  spake,  panting,  the  over-wearied  Steed  ; 

'  Prithee  dismount,  for  I  am  quite  distrest ; 

1  Heavy  thou  art,  and  I  have  need  of  rest.' 

'  No,   by  my  soul ! '  the  Shepherd  Man  re- 
plied ; 

'  It  was  thyself  invited  me  to  ride ; 

•  1'  ve   got  thee   and   I'll   keep    thee  in  my 
power.' 

And  Man's  Slave  has  the  Horse  been  since 
that  hour. 

Thus  Evils,  which  for  Others  had  been  sped, 

Will  oft  rebound  on  the  Projector's  head. 
"Now  further    hear,  while   I   with   truth 
allege 

What  next  was  carved   around  the  Mirror's 
edge: 

How  once  upon  a  time  it  came  to  pass, 

A  rich  Man  owned  a  Spaniel  and  an  Ass ; 

The  Dog  was  never  known  to  bark  or  bite, 

And  was  deservedly  a  Favorite ; 

At  table  by  his  Master's  side  he  sate, 

Fish,  flesh  and  fowl  together  with  him  ate  ; 

Or  rested  in  his  lap,  and  there  was  fed 

With  dainty  morsels  of  best  wh eaten  bread. 

The    Spaniel   then,   who    was    a    Hound    of 
grace, 

Would  wag  his  tail,  and  lick  his  Master's 
face. 

Now  Neddy,  when  he  saw  the  Dog's  good 
luck 

With  envy  and  astonishment  was  struck  ; 

1  With  my  Lord's  tastes,'  said  he,  '  how  can  it 
suit 


62 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


'  To  be  so  partial  to  that  lazy  Brute  ? 

'  Up  in  his  lap  it  jumps,  and  licks  his  beard, 

1  As  though  by  such  strange  antics  't  were 

endear' d  ; 

'  While  I  must  toil  and  travail,  in  and  out, 
'  Fetch  faggots  home,  and  carry  sacks  about. 
'  I  wish  my  Lord  would  think  the  matter  o'er, 
'  And  take  a  dozen  Dogs,  or  e'en  a  score ; 
•  I'd  wager,  in  a  year  they'd  not  get  through 
'  One  half  the  work  that  in  a  month  I  do. 
'  While  with  the  best  his  Dogship  fills  his 

maw, 
'  Half   starved   am   I,  or   only   stufled   with 

straw. 

'  On  the  hard  earth  my  couch  has  ever  been  : 
'  And  jeered  and   mocked   am  I,  wherever 

seen. 

'  I  can  and  will  this  life  no  longer  bear ; 
'  In  my  Lord's  favors  I  will  have  my  share.' 
Just  as  he  spoke,  his  Master  chanced  to  pass  ; 
His  game  at  once  begins  that  stupid  Ass ; 
Cock*  up  his  bended  tail,  lays  back  his  ears, 
And    o'er    his    frightened    Lord    curvetting 

rears ; 
Brays  long  and  loudly,  while  his  beard  he 

licks, 

And  strives  to  imitate  the  Spaniel's  tricks, 
Caressing  him  with  hard  and  lusty  kicks. 
His  terror-stricken  Master  sprang  aside : 
'  Oh  !  take  this  horrid  Asis  away,'  he  cried  ; 
'  Kill   him  at  once ! '     His  Servants  run  in 

haste; 


With  showers  of  blows  poor  Neddy's  sides 

they  baste ; 

Then  in  his  stable  lock  him  up  again : 
And  thus  the  Ass  he  was  he  doth  remain. 


''  How   many   are   there   of  this  self-same 

brood, 

Who,  envying  Others,  do  themselves  no  good. 
Set  these  in  place  or  power,  and  just  as  soon 
Might  you  feed  Porkers  with  a  silver  spoon. 
Let  the  Ass  still  his  burdens  duly  bear  : 
Of  straw  and  thistles  make  his  bed  and  fare  : 
Treat  him  in  any  other  way  you  will, 
The  Brute  retains  his  former  habits  still ; 
And,  taking  human  nature  for  his  guide, 
Seeks  his  own  ends,  and  cares  for  nought  be- 
side. 

"  Further  will  I  this  narrative  pursue  ; 
If  these  long  tales,  Sire,  do  not  weary  You. 
Around  the  Mirror's  border  next  was  placed, 
Carved  in  relief,  with  proper  legends  graced, 
The  story  how  Sir  Tybalt,  heretofore, 
Eternal  friendship  with  my  Father  swore  : 
Each  vowed  to  Each  to  prove  a  firm  Ally, 
And  common  danger  jointly  to  defy. 
Trav'lling  along  one  day  they  chanced  to  hear 
A  cry  of  Hounds  and  Huntsmen  in  their  rear. 
'  Hark  to  those  sounds,'  cried  Tybalt ;  '  good 

advice 

'  Were  worth,  at  such  a  moment,  any  price.' 
The  old  one  said,  '  Your  terrors,  prithee,  lull ; 
'  Of  wiles  and  shifts  I  have  a  budget  full. 
'  Let's  stick  together,  nor  forget  our  oath  ; 
'  And  they  shall  Neither  of  us  have,  or  Both.' 
(He  said  this  merely  Tybalt  to  console  ; 
He  had  no  shifts  or  wiles,  good  simple  Soul !) 
'  Bother  the  oath  !  '    replied  the  treach'rous 

Cat; 

'  Methinks  I  know  a  trick  worth  two  of  that.' 
Into  a  tree,  as  fast  as  he  could  tear, 
He  climbed,  and  left  his  Uncle  planted  there. 
The  poor  Soul  stood  awhile  in  anxious  doubt ; 
While  near   and   nearer   came   that  Hunter 

rout. 
Then   said   the   Cat ;  '  Uncle,   as   you   don't 

climb, 
'You'd  better  ope  your  budget;  now's  the 

time  ! ' 

Just  then  the  Beagles  caught  my  Sire  in  view  ; 
The  Huntsmen  shouted,  and  their  horns  they 

blew  ; 

Off  ran  my  Father ;  after  him  the  Hounds  ; 
Amid  a  perfect  Babel  of  mad  sounds  ; 
Barking  and  bellowing  and  bugle-blowing, 
Enough  to  set  the  very  Devil  going. 
My  Father  swate  again  for  very  fright, 
His   fewmets   cast,  and   made  himself  more 

light  ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  so  at  length  he  'scaped  his  Foes  by  flight. 
Thus  by  his  best  of  Friends  was  he  betray 'd, 
By  him  to  whom  he  trusted  most  for  aid. 
His  life   was   perilled,  for  those  Dogs  were 

swift ; 

The  hole  he  fled  to  was  his  only  shift ; 
And  had  he  not  remembered  that  in  time, 
His  Foes  would  soon  have  made  short  work 

of  him. 
"  Would  of  such  scurvy  Scum   the  world 

were  rid, 

Who  treat  their  Friends  as  subtle  Tybalt  did. 
How  can  I  love  or  honor  such  a  Knave, 
Who's  sinned  the  more,  the  more  I  pardoned 

have  ? 

All  this  was  figured  round  the  Mirror's  frame, 
With  legends  fit  to  mark  the  moral  aim. 
"Upon  the  next   compartment   might   be 

view'd 

A  specimen  of  lupine  gratitude. 
The  Wolf  had  found  a  Horse's  skeleton, 
For  little  was  there  left  of  it  but  bone  ; 
He  gnawed  voracious,  and,  by  evil  luck, 
A  pointed  fragment  in  his  gullet  stuck  ; 
His  sufferings  were  terrible  to  see, 
He  was  as  nearly  choked  as  Wolf  could  be. 
He  sent  forth  Messenger  on  Messenger 
To  call  the  Doctors  in,  from  far  and  near  ; 
But  though  he  promised  they  should  well  be 

paid, 

Not  one  could  render  him  the  slightest  aid. 
At  length  appeared  the  learned  Doctor  Crane, 
With    crimson    bonnet    and    gold-pommelled 

cane. 

'  Oh  !   help  me,  Doctor  ! '  cries  the  Invalid  ; 
'  Oh  !  help  me,  I  beseech  you,  and  with  speed  ; 
'  But  from  my  throat  take  out  this  cursed 

bone, 

<  And  any  fee  you  name  shall  be  your  own.' 
The  Crane  of  his  professions  felt  no  doubt ; 
He  stuck  his  long  bill  down  the  Wolf's  huge 

throat, 

And  in  a  jiffey  pulled  the  sharp  bone  out. 
'Zounds!'  howled  the  Wolf;  'you  give  me 

monstrous  pain  ! 

'  Take  care  you  never  hurt  me  so  again  ! 
'  I  pardon  you  ;  had  it  another  been, 
'  I  might  not  have  so  patient  proved,  I  ween.' 
'The  bone's   extracted;'   said  the   cautious 

Crane ; 

'  You're  cured  ;  so  never  mind  a  little  pain. 
'  As  other  Patients  are  expecting  me, 
'  I'll  go,  if  you'll  oblige  me  with  my  fee.' 


Hark    to    the    Simpleton  ! '  the   rude  Wolf 

said ; 
He's  hurt  me,  and  yet  wishes  to  be  paid. 


'  'T  would  seem  the  stupid  Idiot  cannot  know 
'  How  much  to  my  forbearance  he  doth  owe. 
'  His  bill  and  head,  which  both  were  in  my 

maw, 

'  Unharmed  have  I  allowed  him  to  withdraw: 
'  Methinks  that  I  should  ask  for  the  reward ! ' 
'T  is  thus  the  Strong  all  justice  disregard. 
"These  tales,   and   others    of   a  kindred 

taste, 

In  high  relief  artistically  chas'd, 
With  legends  graved  in  characters  of  gold, 
Around  the  Mirror's  frame  one  might  behold. 
Too  good  for  me  so  rare  a  work  had  been, 
For  I  am  all  too  humble,  all  too  mean  ; 
Therefore  I  sent  it  for  my  gracious  Queen. 
To   her   and  You,  my  Liege,  I  hoped  't  would 

prove 

A  token  of  my  loyalty  and  love. 
Much  did  my  Children,  little  Dears,  lament, 
When  from  their  home  away  the   Glass  was 

sent. 

Before  it,  they  were  wont,  the  livelong  day, 
To  skip  about  and  dance  and  frisk  and   play, 
And  laugh  in  childish  innocence  of  mind, 
To  see  their  long  thick  brushes  trail  behind. 
Ah  !  little  did  I  then  anticipate 
The  Ram's   foul   treason   or  the  Hare's  sad 

fate! 
I  thought  they  both  were   beasts   of  honest 

worth, 
And  the  two  dearest  Friends  I  had  on  earth. 


64 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


Accursed  the  Murd'rer's  inem'ry  I  denounce ! 
All  hope  though  will  I  not  as  yet  renounce ; 
Where'  er  the  Treasures  are,  I  make  no  doubt 
To  find  them  still ;  like   Murder,    Theft  will 

out. 

Much  I  suspect  that  Some  there  present  are, 
Who  know  the  truth  about  the  whole  affair  ; 
Both  what  befell  the  Jewels  and  the  Hare. 
"  Full  well  I  know,  my  Liege,  what  weighty 

things 

Must  daily  occupy  the  minds  of  Kings. 
It  does  not  stand  with  reason  to  expect, 
Each  trifling  matter  You  should  recollect. 
Then  let  me  that  most  wonderful  of  cures 
Recall,  which  once   my   Sire  performed  for 

Yours. 

"  Sick  lay  the  King  and  dangerously  ill ; 
He  must  have  died,  but  for  my  Father's  skill. 


Who  say  then,  Sire,  that  neither  he  nor  I 
Have  e'er  done  service  to  Your  Majesty, 
Not  only  speak  the  thing  that  is  not  true, 
But  utter  a  gross  calumny  on  You. 

"  Forgive  me,  Sire,  nor  deem  my  tongue  too 

bold. 

With  Your  good  leave  that  tale  I  will  unfold, 
My  Sire  was  known,  as   far  as   Fame   could 

reach, 

To  be  a  learned  and  a  skilful  Leech. 
All  diagnostics  of  disease  he  knew, 
Judged  by  a  Patient's  pulse,  and  water  too ; 
Could  heal  an  injury  in  any  part, 
And  aided  Nature  with  his  wondrous  Art. 
Emetics  of  all  kinds  he  understood, 
And  what  was  cool  and  thinning  for  the  blood. 
With  skill  and  safety  could  he  breathe  a  vein, 
And  draw  a  tooth  without  the  slightest  pain. 


You  will  not,  Sire,  remember  this  the  least, 
For  You  were  then  a  Suckling  at  the  breast. 
'T  was  when  drear  Winter's  pall  the  earth 

o'erspread, 

Sick  lay  Your  Father  and  confined  to  bed  ; 
So  sadly  weak  that  he  could  not  stir  out ; 
They  were  obliged  to  carry  him  about. 
All  who  could  medicine  were  bade  to  come, 
From  ev'ry  spot  between  this  Court  and  Rome. 
Not  One  of  them  encouraged  any  hope  ; 
But  All,  without  exception,  gave  him  up. 
Then  my  poor  Father  they  called  in  at  last, 
Though  not  till  ev'ry  chance  of  cure  seemed 

past. 
He  felt  the  Monarch's  pulse,  and  shook  his 

head ; 

'  May  the  King  live  for  ever ! '  then  he  said  ; 
'  Though  much  I  fear  he  hath  not  long  to  live : 
'  To  save  his  life,  mine  own  I'd  gladly  give. 
'  The  contents  of  yon  vase  let  me  inspect, 
'  To  see  what  mischief  I  may  there  detect.' 
'  Do  as  he  bids  ; '  the  King  said  to  the  Nurse  ; 
'Do  what  you    will;  I'm  getting  worse  and 

worse.' 

"  Upon  the  Mirror's  rim  was  fair  engraved 
The  mode  in  which  Your  Sire  by  mine  was 

saved. 

The  contents  of  the  vessel  they  had  brought 
My  Sire  examined,  with  reflective  thought ; 
Then  said ;  '  To  save  Your  health  is  but  one 

way; 

<  And  that  will  not  admit  the  least  delay  : 

<  Your  life  is  gone,  unless,  within  the  hour, 
'  The  liver  of  a  Wolf  you  shall  devour ; 

'  He  must  too,  at  the  least,  be  sev'n  years  old ; 
'  And  you  must  eat  it,  Sire,  ere  it.  be  cold. 
'  All  scruples  on  the  point  must  be  withstood ; 
'  The  water  here  is  thick  and  red  as  blood.' 
It  chanced  the  Wolf  was  standing  near  the 

bed, 

And  with  disgust  heard  all  my  Father  said. 
To  him  with  feeble  voice  the  Monarch  spake  ; 
'  You  hear,  Sir  Wolf,  the  physic  I  must  take. 
'  Quick,  then,  about  it!  to  effect  my  cure, 
'  You  will  not  grudge  your  liver,  I  am  sure.' 
'  Of  no  use  mine  would  be ; '  the  Wolf  replied, 
'  I  am  but  five  years  old  next  Lammas-tide.' 
'  Nonsense ! '  my  Father  cried  ;  '  we  soon  shall 

see; 

'  For  we  must  lay  you  open  instantly.' 
Off  to  the  kitchen  then  the  Wolf  was  brought ; 
And  out  they  cut  his  liver,  quick  as  thought. 
'T  was  dished  up  smoking  on  a  silver  plate, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


65 


And  by  Your  Royal  Father  eaten  straight. 
From  that  same  hour  he  was  quite  cured  and 

well ; 

Restored  to  health  as  by  a  miracle. 
What    gratitude    the    King,    Your    Father, 

shewed  ; 

The  style  of  Doctor  He  on  mine  bestowed : 
At  Court  none  dared  this  title  to  neglect, 
Or  treat  him  with  the  slightest  disrespect. 
Before  th'  assembled  Peers  he  wore  a  cap 
Of  crimson  velvet,  with  a  golden  snap  ; 
His  place  was  ever  at  the  King's  right  hand, 
And  honored  was  by  All  throughout  the  land. 
"Of  his  poor  Son  how  diff'rent  is  the  lot ! 
The  Father's  virtues  now  are  all  forgot. 
The  greediest  Rogues  are  now  advanced  to 

pow'r, 

Who  only  seek  for  what  they  may  devour. 
Int'rest  and  Gain  are  thought  of  now  alone, 
And  Right  and  Justice  but  by  name  are 

known. 
Great  Lords  are  those,  who  Servants    were 

before, 

And  without  mercy  grind  the  suff  ring  Poor  : 
Blindly    they    strike    their     former    Mates 

among, 
Norheed  theleast  the  ranks  from  whence  they 

sprung. 

Their  own  advantage  their  sole  end  and  aim, 
They  still  contrive  to  win,  whate'er  the  game. 
'T  is  such  as  these  that  on  the  Wealthy  fix, 
Their  flatt'ry  choking  All  on  whom  it  sticks  : 
No  man's  petition  will  they  ever  heed, 
If  not  by  costly  gifts  accompanied  : 
By  rapine  and  extortion  still  they  live, 
And,  like  the  Horse-leech,  ever  cry,   '  Give  ! 

give ! ' 
"  Such  greedy  Wolves  as  these,  the  choice 

tit-bits 

Would  always  keep,  as  their  own  perquisites  : 
When  a  prompt  sacrifice  their   King  might 

save, 

Time  for  reflection  they  will  ever  crave. 
You  see  how,  in  this  case,  the  Wolf  preferr'd 
To  save  his  liver,  rather  than  his  Lord  ; 
And  what  a  liver  too  !     The  selfish  Brute  ! 
For  I  without  reserve  will  speak  my  thought. 
In  ought  that  danger  to  the  King  involves, 
What  signifies  the  death  of  twenty  Wolves  ? 
Nay,  without  loss,  the  whole  Tribe  might  be 

slain, 

So  but  the  King  and  Queen  their  lives  retain. 
None  seek  pure  water  from  a  puddled  source, 
VOL.  IV — W.  H. 


Or  from  a  Sow's  ear  make  a  silken  purse. 

No  doubt,  Sire,  You  the  whole  affair  forget ; 

For  you  were  much  too  young  to  notice  it : 

I'm  sure  though  of  the  truth  of  what  I  say, 

As  though  it  happened  only  yesterday. 

"'Graved   on   the   Mirror    all   this   story 
stood  ; 

For  't  was  my  Father's  special  wish  it  should. 

Fair  was  the  work  and  beauteous  to  behold, 

Adorned  with  Jewels,  and  inlaid  with  gold. 

Oh  !  for  the  chance  to  get  that  Mirror  back, 

Fortune  and  life  how  gladly  would  I  stake!  " 
"  Reynard  !  "  said  Noble,    "  I  your  speech 
have  heard, 

And  all  your  tales  and  fables,  ev'ry  word. 

Your  Father  may  have  been   both   good   and 
great, 

And  haply  did  vast  service  to  the  state  : — 

It  must  have  happened  a  long  time  ago  ; 

I  never  heard  one  word  of  it  till  now. 

But  of  your  evil  deeds  I  learn  each  day ; 

Your  sport  is  death  ;  so  all  My  People  say. 

If  these  are  but  old  tales,  as  you  declare, 

Strange  that  no  good  of  you  e'er  meets   mine 

ear.'' 

"  Sire  !"  said  the  Fox,  "  allow   me   to   ex- 
plain. 

What  you  have  said  has  caused   Me   deepest 
pain. 

To  you   no  good   I     e'er     have    done,  You 
state ; — 

But  not  a  word  will  I  retaliate  : 

Forbid  it,  Heaven  !  for  full  well,  I  know, 

To  You  the  service  of  my  life  I  owe. 
"  Permit  me  one  adventure  to  repeat, 

Which  I  am  certain  You  will  not  forget. 

Is'grim  and  I  once  chanced  a  Boar  to  hunt ; 

We  caught  him   soon  ;  good   Saints !  how  he 
did  grunt ! 

You  came,  and  much   of  hunger   You   com- 
plain'd, 

And  said  Your  Spouse   was   following   close 
behind : — 

If  we  would  Each  give  up  a  little  bit, 

We  should  on  both  confer  a  benefit  ; 

A  portion  of  our  booty  we  might  spare ; 

And  Is'grim  answered,  'Yes ; ' — with  such  an 
air  ; 

While  all  the  while  between  his  teeth  he  mut- 
tered, 

So  that  one  could  not  hear  a  word  he  uttered. 

Said  I,  '  Sire!  have  Your  wish  !    I   but   de- 
plore 

5 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


'  Instead  of  one  Swine  we  have  not  a  score. 

Say,  Which  of  us  the  booty  shall  divide  ? 

'  The  Wolf! '  You  then  with  dignity  replied. 

Well  pleased  was  Is' grim,  and  with  shame- 
less front, 

'Gan  to  divide,  according  to  his  wont. 

One  quarter,  Sire,  he  placed  aside  for  You  ; 

Another,  to  Your  Royal  Spouse  as  due  ; 

The  other  half  he  claimed  as  his  own  share, 

And  greedily  began  the  flesh  to  tear ; 

My  humble  part,  beside  the  ears  and  snout, 

Was  half  the  lung,  and  that  was  all  I  got ; 

And  all  the  rest  he  kept  himself ;  to  us 

In  sooth  he  was  not  over-generous. 

Your  portion  soon  was  gone  ;  but  I  perceived 

Your  appetite  was  by  no  means  relieved. 

Isegrim  though,  just  like  a  greedy  beast, 

Pretended  not  to  see  it  in  the  least ; 

Continuing  still  to  gnaw  and  champ  and 
chew, 

Nor  offered,  Sire,  the  smallest  bit  to  You. 

But  then  Your  Royal  Paws  did  You  uprear, 

And  smite  him  heavily  behind  the  ear  ; 

It  tore  his  skin,  and  swift  away  he  sped, 

Howling  like  mad,  with  bald  and  bleeding 
head. 

'  Thou  blund'ring  Glutton  ! '  after  him  You 
cried, 

'  I  '11  teach  thee  how  thy  booty  to  divide: 

'  Hence  !  quick  !  go  fetch  us  something  more 
to  eat ! ' 

Then  I  said,  Sire, — You  should  not  want  for 
meat ; 

I'd  follow  quickly  upon*Is'grim's  track, 

And  I'd  be  bound,  we'd  soon  bring  some- 
thing back. 

And  You  were  pleased  to  say,  You  were 
content ; 

So  after  Isegrim  with  speed  I  went. 

He  shewed  his  wound,  and  grumbled  bitterly  ; 

But  I  persuaded  him  to  hunt  with  me. 

We  fell  in  with  a  Calf,  which  we  pursued, 

And  caught  him  ;  't  was,  I  knew,  Your  fav'- 
rite  food ; 

We  brought  and  laid  it  at  Your  Royal  feet ; 

It  was  an  off 'ring  for  a  Monarch  meet ; 

You  saw  't  was  fat,  and  to  reward  our  toil, 

With  gracious  condescension  deigned  to  smile ; 

And  many  a  kindly  word  to  me  You  spoke, 

And  said  my  hunting  always  brought  good 
luck  ; 

Adding,  « Now,  Reynard,  you  divide  the 
Calf.' 


I  answered,  '  Sire,  to  You  belongs  one  half ; 

'  That,  with   Your   leave,  I   place  aside   for 
You; 

'  The  other  to  Your  Royal  Spouse  is  due; 

'  The  entrails,  such  as  liver,  heart,  and  lungs, 

'  All  this  to  your  dear   Children,   Sire,  be- 
longs : 

'  I'll  take  the  feet,  for  those  I  love  to  gnaw  ; 

'  And  with  the  head  the  Wolf  may  cram  his 
maw.' 

Then,  did  You  thus  address  me  ;  '  Where,  I 
pray, 

'  Learnt  you  to  carve  in  such  a  courtly  way  ? ' 

'  Yonder  my  Teacher  stands,  my  Liege ; '  I 
said  ; 

'  The  Greedy  Wolf,  with  bald  and  bleeding 
head. 

'  Had  I  not  learnt,  it  were  indeed  a  shame ; 

'  For,    Swine   or    Calf,   the    principle's    the 

same.' 

"  Thus  pain  and  sorrow  did  the  Wolf  be- 
fall; 

And  sure  his  greediness  deserved  it  all. 

Alas  !  there  are  too  many  of  the  kind  ; 

To  sacrifice  all  else  to  Self  inclin'd. 

Their  constant  thoughts  all  bent  in  one  direc- 
tion, 

They  grind  their  Vassals,  calling  it  '  Protec- 
tion.' 

The   Poor  perchance  are  starved,  but  what 
care  they  ? 

Ah  !  wretched  is  the  land  that  owns  their 
sway! 

Far  otherwise,  mine  honored  Liege,  You  see, 

That    You  have   always   been  esteemed   by 
me; 

All  that  I  ever  either  reap  or  glean 

I  dedicate  to  You  and  to  my  Queen. 

Whate'er  I  chance  to  gain,  or  great  or  small ; 

You  surely  have  the  largest  share  of  all. 

Think  of  this  story  of  the  Calf  and  Swine ; 

Then  judge  to  whom  reward  You  should  as- 
sign. 

But  ah  !  poor  Reynard's  merits  have  grown 
dim  ; 

All  favors  now  are  heaped  on  Isegrim  ! 

All  must  submit  perforce  to  his  commands ; 

All  tribute  pass  through  his  tenacious  hands. 

But  little  for  Your  int'rest  doth  he  care, 

Not  e'en  con  tent  with  half  for  his  own  share. 

You  heed  alone  what  he  and  Bruin  say, 

While   Reynard's   wisest   words  are  thrown 
away. 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


67 


"  But   now   I   am   accused  and   shall   not 

budge ; 

I  know  I  stand  before  an  upright  Judge. 
Let  whoso  will,  bring  forth  what  charge  he 

please, 

Let  him  bring  forward  too  his  Witnesses  ; 
And  pledge,  upon  the  issue  of  the  strife, 
As  I  will  do,  his  wealth,  his  ears,  his  life. 
Such  were  the  law  and  practice  heretofore 
To  these  I  now  appeal,  and  ask  no  more." 
"  Happen  what  may,"  then  said  the  King, 

' '  by  me 

The  path  of  Justice  shall  not  straitened  be. 
Though    thou    art    tainted,    by    Suspicion's 

breath, 

To  have  a  hand  in  gentle  Puss's  death — 
My  trusty  Messenger !  I  loved  him  well ; 
And  mourned  his  loss,  far  more  than  tongue 

can  tell ! 

How  did  I  grieve  when  I  the  Beaver  saw 
That  bleeding  head  from  out  thy  wallet  draw  ! 
His  crime  the  Ram  atoned  for  on  the  spot ; 
But  thou  hast  leave  to  fight  the  matter  out. — 
"  We  pardon  Reynard's  treasons  'gainst  the 

Crown, 

For  many  services  which  he  hath  done. 
If  Any  aught  against  him  have  to  say, 
Let  him  stand  forth  and  prove  it  as  he  may  ; 
Or  by  sworn  Witnesses,  or  else  by  fight ; 
For  here  stands  Reynard  to  defend  his  Right." 
Then  thus  the  Fox  replied  ;  "  My  gracious 

Lord! 

My  humblest  thanks  are  all  I  can  afford. 
To  ev'ry  one  You  freely  lend  an  ear  ; 
And  e'en  the  Meanest  meet  with  Justice  here. 
Heav'n  is  my  witness,  with  how  sad  a  heart 
I  suffered  Puss  and  Bellyn  to  depart ; 
Some  strange  foreboding  of  their  fate  had  I ; 
For,  oh  !   I  loved  them  both  right  tenderly." 
Thus  cunningly  did  Reynard  play  his  game ; 
Thus  artfully  his  endless  fables  frame. 
Another  triumph  thus  his  wit  achieved, 
For  he  again  by  all  was  quite  believed. 
He  spake  with  so  much  earnestness,  in  sooth, 
It  was  scarce  possible  to  doubt  his  truth. 
Some  with  him  even  for  his  loss  condoled  ; 
And  thus  once  more  his  Sov'reign  he  cajoled  ; 
The  story  of  the  trinkets  pleased  the  King  ; 
He  longed  to  have  them,  'specially  the  Ring; 
He  said  to  Reynard,  "  Go,  in  peace  of  mind, 
Go,  and  seek,  far  and  near,  the  Lost  to  find. 
Do  all  you  can ;  more  will  I  not  require  ; 
My  aid  you  may  obtain,  when  you  desire." 


"Thanks,  Sire;"  said  Reynard,  "for  this 
act  of  Grace  ; 

Now,  in  my  heart,   Despair  to   Hope   gives 
place. 

To  punish  Crime,  and  Falsehood  to  refute, 

This  is,  my  Liege,  Your  noblest  Attribute. 

Though    Darkness    still  the  whole  affair  en- 
shrouds, 

Ere  long  shall  Light  dispel  the  murky  clouds. 

The  quest  forthwith,  Sire,  will  I  expedite, 

Incessantly  will  travel,  day  and  night ; 

And  when  I  find  the  Treasures  which  I  seek, 

If  to  retake  them  I  should  prove  too  weak, 

Then  will  I  venture  that  kind  aid  to  pray, 

Which  You  have  offered  graciously  this  day. 

Ah  !  let  me  at  Your  feet  but  lay  them  down, 

Repaid  shall  be  my  toil ;  my  loyal  truth  made 

known." 

The  Monarch  seemed  well  pleased  to  be  de- 
ceived, 

And  all  the  Court  as  readily  believed  ; 

So  cleverly  the  Fox  his  falsehoods  wove, 

That  what  he  only  said,  he  seemed  to  prove. 

And  Reynard's  mind  was  wonderfully  eased, 

For  he  was  free  to  wander  where  he  pleased. 
But  Is'grim  could  his  wrath  no  more  re- 
strain ; 

He  gnashed  his  teeth,  and  thus  began  com- 
plain ; 

"  My  Liege,  and  can  you  once  more  yield 
belief 

To  this  thrice-damned  Perjurer  and  Thief? 

Perceive  you  not,  Sire,  that  in  boasting  thus, 

He  but  deludeth  You  and  beardeth  us  ? 

Truth  doth  he  from  his  very  soul  despise ; 

And  all  his  wit  is  spent  in  feigning  lies. 

But  I'll  not  let  him  off  so  lightly  now  ; 

What  a  false  Knave  he  is  I  soon  shall  shew  ; 

Him  of  three  grievous  crimes  I  now  indict  ; 

And  'scape  he  shall  not,  even  should  we  fight. 

He  talks  of  calling  Witnesses  forsooth  ; — 

As   though   that   were   the   way  to   get  the 
Truth  ! 

They  might  stand  here  and  witness  all  the 
day; 

He  'd  manage  to  explain  their  words  away  ; 

And  there  might  be  no  Witnesses  at  times  ; 

Should  therefore  all  unpunished  be  his  crimes  ? 

But  who  will  dare  the  Culprit  to  accuse, 

When  he  is  sure  his  time  and  suit  to  lose ; 

And  from  that  time  for  ever,  wrong  or  right, 

Be  a  marked  object  for  the  Ruffian's  spite  ? 

E'en  You  Yourself,  Sire,  by  experience  know, 


68 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


As  well  as  we,  what  mischief  he  can  do. 
To-day  I  have  him  safe  ;  he  cannot  flee ; 
So  let  him  look  to  't ;  he  shall  answer  me!  " 

CHAPTER  THE  ELEVENTH. 

THE   DEFIANCE. 

THUS    Isegrim,  the   Wolf,  commenced  his 

plaint ; 
Though  words  would  fail  his  mighty  rage 

to  paint ; 

"  My  Liege,  this  Reynard  is  a  Scoundrel 
still, 

He  ever  has  been  one,  and  ever  will. 

And  there  he  stands,  and  dares  my  wrath 
defy, 

Sland'ring  myself  and  all  my  Family. 

My  black  Beast  has  he  ever  been,  through 
life! 

What  endless  Evils  has  he  wrought  my  wife  ! 

He  once  contrived   the  poor  Thing  to   per- 
suade 

Into  a  mill-pond  through  a  bog  to  wade. 

He  promised  she  should  gratify  her  wish, 

And  catch  that  day  a  multitude  of  Fish  ; 

She'd  but  to  slip  her  tail  into  the  pond, 

And  leave  it  hanging  close  upon  the  ground  ; 

Fast  would   the  Fishes  fix;  she'd    soon    take 
more 

Than  Three  besides  herself  could  well  devour. 

Partly  she  waded  on,  and  partly  swam, 

Till  to  the  sluice  she  got  beneath  the  dam  ; 

There,  where  the  waters  stood  most  still  and 
deep, 

Should  she   her  tail  drop  down,   and  quiet 
keep. 

Tow'rds   ev'ning-tide  there  came  a  nipping 
breeze, 

And  bitterly  did  it  begin  to  freeze ; 

She  had  not  borne  it  long ;  but,  in  a  trice, 

Her  tail  was  fairly  frozen  in  the  ice. 

She    thought   't  was   owing  to   the   Fishes' 
weight 

She  could  not  move  it,  and  that  all  was  right. 

Reynard     perceived  her  case, — the     Repro- 
bate !— 

And  then — but  what  he  did  I  dare  not  state — 

He  shall  not  now  escape  me,  by  mine  oath  ! 

That  outrage  costs  the  life  of  One  or  Both  ! 

Prate  as  he  will,  he'll  not  impose  on  me  ; 

Nor  shall  his  lying  tongue  now  set  him  free  ! 

I  caught  him  in  the  very  act,  I  say — 

It  was  the  merest  chance  I  passed  that  way — 


I  heard  her  cry,  the  poor  deluded  One  ! 
Fast  was   she   fixed  there,  and  defence  had 

none. 

I  came,  and  with  my  own  eyes  saw  a  sight — 
Oh  Heav'ns  !  why  did   my  heart   not   break 

outright  ? 
'  Reynard !    what    art  thou   doing  there  ?'  I 

cried  ; 

He  heard  me,  and  away  the  Coward  hied. 
I  hastened  to  the  spot  in  grief  and  wrath, 
Slipping  and  slith'ring  on  the  glassy  path. 
Ne'er  had  I  greater  trouble  in  my  life, 
Than  then,  to  break  the  ice  and  free  my  Wife. 
But  my  best  efforts  did  not  quite  avail ; 
She  was  obliged,  poor  Soul  !  to  tug  and  hale; 
And  left  behind  a  fourth  part  of  her  tail. 
Loudly  she  howled,  and  long ;  some  Peasants 

near 

Her  cries  of  bitter  anguish  chanced  to  hear. 
They  hurried  thither  and  soon  spied  us  out, 
And  to  each  other  'gan  to  bawl  and  shout; 
Across  the  narrow  dam  in  haste  they  swarmed, 
With    spades   and   mattocks,  pikes  and   axes 

armed  ; 
The    Womankind   with   spindles  ;  how   they 

screamed  and  stormed  ! 
'  Catch   them   and  kill  them  !    curse  them  ! ' 

One  and  All 

Thus  to  each  other  did  they  loudly  call. 
Such  deep  alarm  I  never  felt  before, 
Nor  my  poor  Gieremund,  till  that  sad  hour. 
We  saved  our  lives,  though  with  the  greatest 

pain, 

And  had  to  run  till  our  hides  smoked  again. 
There  was  one  Fellow, — curses  on  his  Soul ! 
Armed  with  a  long  and  iron-headed  pole, 
Who,  light  of  foot,  kept  foil' wing  in  our  track, 
For  ever  poking  at  my  sides  and  back. 
Had  not  the  night  approached  with    friendly 

gloom, 

We  from  the  spot  alive  had  never  come. 
And  what  a  hubbub  did  the  Women  keep  ! 
Swearing,  the  Hags  !  we  had  devoured  their 

Sheep. 
As  they  were  armed   with  neither  pikes  nor 

prongs, 
They   tried  to  wound  us   with  their  spiteful 

tongues. 

We  tow'rds  the  water  took  our  course  again, 
And  crept  among  the  sedges  in  the  fen. 
The  Hinds  dared  not  in  this  pursuit  embark, 
For  luckily  it  now  had  grown  pitch-dark  ; 
So  they  returned,  sore  disappointed,  home  : 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


69 


And  thus  we  just  escaped  our  threatened  doom. 
"  You  see,  my  Liege,  how  grave  was  this 
offence ; 

A  mesh  of  treachery  and  violence. 

Such  crimes  Your  love  of  justice  must  con- 
demn ; 

For  None  are  safe  unless  You  punish  them." 
The  King  heard  this    complaint  with   pa- 
tient ear ; 

Then  said,  "Be  sure  you  shall  have  justice 
here ; 

Her  rights  are  ever  sacred,  come  what  may : 

But  We  will  hear  what  Reynard  has  to  say." 
The  Fox  replied :  «'  If  true  this  tale  were 
found, 

Much  to  my  credit  would  it  not  redound ; 

The   charge  is  grave;  but  gracious   Heav'n 
forbid, 

I  e'er  should  act  as  Is'grim  says  I  did. 

All  I  have  done  was  at  his  Wife's  own  wish  : 

I  don't  deny  I  taught  her  to  take  Fish ; 

I  told  her  where  they  would  abound,  and 
shew'd 

How  she  might  get  there  by  the  nearest  road. 

But  soon  as  ever  of  the  Fish  I  spoke, 

With  greedy  haste,  away  from  me  she  broke  ; 

Without  reflection  hurried  to  the  spot, 

And  all  my  rules  and  cautions  quite  forgot. 

Then  if  she  happened  to  get  frozen  in, 

From  sitting  there  so  long  it  must  have  been ; 

Had  she  but  pulled  her  tail  more  quickly  out, 

She'd  have  got  Fish  enough,  I  make  no  doubt. 

But  Gluttony,  a  vice  to  be  abhorr'd, 

Like  Virtue,  often  brings  its  own  reward. 

The  heart  that  never  will  be  satisfied 

Must  needs  oft  prove  a  drear  and  aching  void. 

Whoso  the  Spirit  hath  of  Greediness 

Will  lead  a  life  of  trouble  and  distress  ; 

Him  nothing  satisfies  :  this,  Gieremund, 

When  frozen  in,  by  sad  experience  found. 
"  And  thus  it  is  my  trouble  is  repaid ! 

Thus  am  I  thanked  for  all  iny  honest  aid  ! 

I  shoved  and  strove  my  best  to  set  her  free ; 

But  much  too  heavy  for  my  strength  was  she. 

While  in  this  charitable  act  engaged, 

Came  Isegrim,  and  furiously  he  raged  ; 

He  had,  it  seems,  been  prowling  round  the 
shore ; 

And  there  he  stood,  and  fiercely  cursed  and 
swore ; 

I  never  heard  such  rude  and  savage  tones  ; 

They   made  my  flesh  quite  creep  upon  my 
bones  ; 


Once,  twice,  and  thrice  at  my  poor  head  he 

hurl'd 

The  wildest  execrations  in  the  world. 
Thinks  I  then  to  myself,  '  It  seems  to  me 
'  My  safest  course  at  once  to  fly  will  be ; 
'  For  it  were  better  sure  to  run  away 
'  Than  to  this  jealous  Madman  fall  a  prey.' 
And  well  it  was  I  fled,  or,  by  my  faith  ! 
Beyond  a  doubt  I  had  been  torn  to  death. 
When  two  Dogs  fight  together  o'er  a  bone, 
The  victory  can  but  remain  to  one. 
I  thought  it  therefore  far  the  safer  course 
To  flee  his  anger  and  his  brutal  force. 
For  that  he  is  a  Brute  he  can't  deny; 
Ask  his  own  Wife ;  she  knows  as  well  as  I ; 
Ask  her,  and  she  no  doubt  will  answer  true. 
With  him,  the  Liar !  what  have  I  to  do  ? 
"  When  he  perceived   bis  Wife  in  such  a 

plight, 

No  doubt  he  went  to  help  her  ;  well  he  might, 
If  by  the  peasant  Rabble  they  were  press'd, 
I  guess  it  happened  really  for  the  best ; 
It  cannot  but  have  done  the  She-Wolf  good, 
Have  stirred  her  sinews,  and  have  thawed 

her  blood. 

'T  is  truly  infamous,  upon  my  life, 
To  hear  him  now  so  scandalize  his  Wife. 
But  ask  herself;  think  ye,  if  truth  he  spoke, 
She  would  not  vengeance  on  my  head  invoke  ? 
"  Meanwhile  a  week's  imparlance  will  I 

crave, 
Means  to  consult   my   Friends   that   I   may 

have; 

And  see  what  answer  it  were  best  to  frame, 
To  meet  the  Wolf's  absurd  and  groundless 

claim.'' 

"  Nothing  but  Rogu'ry,''  answered  Giere- 
mund, 

"  In  all  you  say  and  do  is  ever  found  ; 
Tricks,   treason,   treach'ry,   stratagems,    and 

lies, — 

Falsehood,  in  short,  in  ev'ry  shape  and  guise. 
Who  trusts  your  glozing  and  deceitful  tongue, 
For  his  credulity  will  suffer  long. 
This  no  one  better  than  myself  can  tell ; 
Witness  what   happened  lately  at  the  well. 
"  Two  buckets  there  were  hanging  ;  you  in 

one — 
Wherefore   I   knew   not — had    yourself    let 

down  ; 

And  nohow  able  to  get  up  again, 
Of  your  position  loudly  did  complain. 
At  morning  to  the  spot  I  chanced  repair, 


70 


EEYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And   asked  you   what  you  could   be   doing 

there ; 
You  answered,  '  Cousin  dear,  come  down  here 

too  ; 
'  There  's  no  good  luck  I  would  not  share 

with  you. 

'  Get  in  the  bucket  and  descend  with  speed  ; 
'  Of  Fish  I  promise  you  a  glorious  feed.' 
"  It  was  some  Demon  led   me,    sure,  that 

way, 

And  made  me  credit  what  you  pleased  to  say; 
I  to  your  oaths  should   ne'er  have   trusted 

more  ; 

Well  do  I  recollect  what  oaths  you  swore  : 
Not  only  that  of  Fish  you'd  had  your  fill, 
But  you  had  even  ate  till  you  were  ill. 
My  sympathy  my  judgment  over-ruled  ; — 
Ass  that  I  was  to  let  myself  be  fooled ! 

"  Into  the  bucket  did  I  thoughtless  get ; 
And   down  it  went ;    the    other    mounting 

straight ; 

And  we  about  midway  together  met. 
Astonished  and  alarmed,  I  called  to  you  ; 
'  In  Heaven's  name,  where  am  I  going  to? ' 
'  Here  we  go  up  and  down  ! '    you  answered 

thus ; 

'  So  goes  it  in  the  world,  and  so  with  us. 
'  Nor  let  it  be  a  subject  of  surprise  ; 
'  By  our  own  merits  we  must  fall  or  rise.' 
Safe  mounted,  on  the  edge  you  lightly  stepp'd 
Out  of  your  bucket,  and  away  you  leapt ; 
While  at  the  bottom  of  the  well  I  lay, 
In  sad  distress  of  mind,  the  livelong  day, 
And    suffered     endless  blows    before  I  got 

away. 

"  Some  Boors  came  to  the  well  at  eventide, 
Nor  was  it  long  before  poor  Me  they  spied  ; 
Piteous  indeed  was  my  unhappy  state, 
As,  cold  and  wet  and  hungry,  there  I  sate. 
Then  to  each  other  said  the  Boors  ;  '  Hallo ! 
'  See  !  in  yon  bucket  sits  our  ancient  Foe  ! 
'  The  Thief,  from  whom  we  nothing   safe  can 

keep  ; 
'  Who    eats  our   Kidlings   and   devours  our 

Sheep ! ' 
'  Just  pull  him  up  ! '  said  One  ;  '  I'll  wait  for 

him  ; 
'  And  he  shall  catch  it,   when   he   reach   the 

brim.' 
'He    for    our    Sheep    shall   pay!'    another 

said  : — 

I  think  the  debts  of  all  my  Tribe  I  paid. 
Blows  upon  blows  fell  on  me,  thick  and  fast  ; 


A  sadder  hour  than  that  I  never  past ; 

I  deemed  each  moment   must   have  been  my 

last." 

Then  Reynard  answered  ;  "  If  you  but  re- 
flect, 
Those   blows,   you'll   own,    had  all   a  good 

effect. 

For  mine  own  part,  I  honestly  admit 
They  'd  not   have   suited   with   my  taste   a 

bit; 
And   as   the     matter    stood,   you  see  quite 

well, 

For  both  to  'scape  had  not  been  possible. 
To  censure  me  is  anything  but  just : 
In  such  a  case  you  '11  ne'er  Another  trust 
A  lesson  for  the  future  let  it  be  ; — 
The  world  you  know  is  full  of  roguery.'' 
"  Now,"    said  the  Wolf,    "  what    need  of 

further  proof? 

From  this  vile  Traitor  have  I  borne  enough. 
Of  yet  another  outrage  I  complain  ; 
The  marks  whereof  I  even  still  retain. 
Through  him  I  got  into  the  worst  of  scrapes, 
In  Saxony  among  a  brood  of  Apes. 
Induced  by  him  I  went  into  the  lair ; 
He  knew  what  mischief  I  should  meet  with 

there. 

Had  I  not  fled  with  timely  haste  away, 
Both  eyes  and   ears  I  should  have  lost  that 

day. 

But  with  his  lying  tongue  he  told  me  first — 
Ah  !  be  that  lying  tongue  for  ever  curst ! — 
That  I  should  find  his  Lady  Aunt  within  ; 
Dame  Ruckenaw  I  fancied  he  must  mean. 
Of  me  he  wished,  I  doubt  not,  to  be  rid, 
And  grieved  I  got  away,  e'en  as  I  did. 
He  sent  me  down,  the  sly  and  juggling  Elf! 
Into  that  horrid  nest ; — I  thought '  twas  Hell 

itself." 
Reynard     replied    before    th'     assembled 

Lords, 

Malicious  meaning  lurking  in  his  words  ; 
"To  pity  Isegrim  I'm  half  inclin'd ; 
I  doubt  if  he  is  in  his  perfect  mind. 
If  this  adventure  he  desire  to  tell, 
To  state  it  truly  would  be  just  as  well. 
"  About  three  years  ago,  to  Saxony, 
With  a  vast  store  of  booty,  travelled  he  ; 
I  followed  ;  so  far  truth  I  recognise 
In  what  he  states  ;  the  rest  's  a  pack  of  lies. 
And  those  whose  cruelty  he  now  bemoans, 
They  were  not  Apes  at  all,  but  just  Baboons. 
With    them  no  kinship  have  I  ever  claimed ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


71 


Of  such  alliance  I  should  feel  ashamed. 
Martin  the  Ape,  and  Ruckenaw  his  Spouse, 
They  are  my  Kin,  as  Ev'rybody  knows  ; 
I  honor  him  as  Uncle,  her  as  Aunt ; 
Of  their  affinity  I  well  may  vaunt : 
He  is  a  Notary,  well  versed  in  law, 
Can  sign  his  name,  and  protests  deftly  draw. 
In  what  of  those  vile  Creatures  Is' grim  spoke, 
Your  scorn  at  my  expense  he  would  provoke. 
Relationship  with  them  I  quite  repel ; 
For  they  are  like  the  very  Fiends  of  Hell. 
If  I  then  called  the  old  Hag  «  Aunt,'  't  was 

done 

For  prudent  reasons  to  myself  best  known  : 
I  nothing  lost  thereby,  I  fairly  own. 
Her  honored  Guest,  I  sumptuously  fared  ; 
Or  else  she  might  have  choked,  for  aught  I 

cared, 

"  You  see,  my  Lords,  Sir  Isegrim  and  I 
Left  the  high-road  and  passed  a  mountain  by. 
A  cavern  in  the  rear  we  chanced  to  mark, 
Deep  it  appeared,  and  long,  and   wondrous 

dark. 

My  Friend   complained,  as   usual,  of  a  sink- 
ing ;— 

He's  got  a  Wolf  inside  him,  to  my  thinking  ; 
For  let  him  eat  as  much  as  e'er  he  will, 
Who  ever  heard  him  own  he'd  had  his  fill? — 
I  said  to  him  ;  '  The  Inmates  of  this  cave 
'  Will  certainly  good  store  of  victuals  have  ; 
<  I  make  no  doubt  they'll  let  us  have  a  share  ; 
'  Most  seasonable  is  our  coming  here.' 
But  Isegrim  replied,  '  Go  in  and  see  ; 
'  I  '11  wait  for  you  meanwhile  beneath   this 

tree. 

'  Your  social  talents  no  one  can  deny  ; 
'  You  make  Acquaintance  easier  far  than  I. 
'  Go  in,  good  Coz  ;  I'm  sure  you'll  be  so  good 
'  To  call  me,  if  you  meet  with  any  food  ' 
He  wanted  me  to  face  the  danger  first ; 
It  being  more,  the  Dastard  !  than  he  durst. 
"I   entered;     nor   without  a    shudd'ring 

dread 

Did  1  the  long  and  sinuous    passage  thread  ; 
And  what  I  saw — oh  !  not  for  worlds  of  gold, 
Would  I  again  that  awful  sight  behold  ! — 
A  nest  of  ugly  Monsters,  great  and  small, 
And  their  Dam  with  them,  ugliest  of  them  all. 
With  long  black  teeth  bristled  her  frightful 

jaws, 
Her  hands  and  feet  with  long  and  crooked 

claws, 
A  long  and  hairy  tail  behind  she  bore  ; 


Such  a  grim  Wretch  I  never  saw  before  ! 
Her  swart,  gaunt  Children  had  the  strangest 

shapes, 
And  looked,   for  all  the  world,  like  goblin 

Apes. 

She  gazed  upon  me  with  an  evil  eye ; 
'  Would    I   were    safe   out   of    this   house !  ' 

thought  I. 

Than  Isegrim  she  was  a  bigger  Beast ; 
Some  of  her  Young  too  were  as  big,  at  least. 
This  horrible  and  hideous  Brood  I  found 
Bedded  on  rotten  hay  on  the  dank  ground, 
With  filth  all  slobbered  o'er.     There  oozed  a 

smell 

On  ev'ry  side  them,  as  from  pitch  of  Hell. 
The  honest  truth  to  speak,  for  I  '11  not  lie, 
I  felt  small  pleasure  in  their  company ; 
They  were  so  many,  and  alone  was  I. 
With  mine  own  bosom  then  1  counsel  sought, 
How  from  this  cursed  place  I  might  get  out. 
I  greeted  them  with  many  a  friendly  word ; 
Although  such  a  deceit  my  soul  abhorr'd ; 
But  thought  it  just  as  prudent  to  be  civil ; — 
E'en  as  I  would  be  to  the  very  Devil. 
I  called  the  old  One,  'Aunt;'  the  young  ones, 

'  Cousins,' 

And  gave  them  tender  epithets  by  dozens. 
'  May  gracious  Heaven  grant  you  lengthened 

days ! ' 

Thus  I  began  ;  '  and  prosper  all  your  ways  ! 
<  Are  these  your  Children  ?     But  I  need  not 

ask ; 

'  Their  likeness  it  were  difficult  to  mask. 
'  I  vow  my  very  soul  with  joy  it  cheers, 
'  To  see  them  look  so  well,  the  little  Dears ! 
'  So  fresh  and  nice  do  you  contrive  to  make 

'em, 
'  Strangers  might  for  the  Royal  Children  take 

'em. 

'  And  grateful  am  I,  as  I  ought  to  be, 
'  That  you  should  thus  augment  our  Family, 
'  And  graft  such  worthy  scions  on  our  tree. 
'  Who  has  such  Kinsfolk  is  most  blest  indeed  ; 
'  For  they  may  aid  him  in  the  hour  of  need.' 
As  thus  lip-honor  forth  to  her  I  dealt, 
Far  different,  in  truth,  from  what  I  felt, 
She,  on  her  side,  of  me  made  much  ado  ; 
Was  very  civil ;  called  me  '  Nephew,'  too ; 
Although  the  old  Fool  knew,  as  well  as  I, 
She  bore  no  kinship  to  my  Family. 
I  thought,  to  call  her  'Aunt,'  was  no  great 

crime ; 
Albeit  with  fear  I  sweated  all  the  time. 


72 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


With  kindliest  words  by  her  was  I  address' d  ; 
'  Reynard,  dear  Kinsman !   welcome,  as  my 

Guest ! 

'  'T  is  very  good  of  you,  that  I  will  say, 
'  To  drop  in  on  us  in  this  friendly  way. 
'  From  your  instructions  shall  my  Children 

gain 

'  The  skill  how  they  to  honor  may  attain.' 
Her  Courtesy  thus  did  I  cheaply  earn ; 
A  trifling  sacrifice  just  served  my  turn  ; 
Claiming  her  kin,  though  she  was  so  uncouth, 
And  holding  back  some  disagreeable  truth. 
Most  gladly  would  I  then  have  gone  away  ; 
But  she  entreated  me  that  I  would  stay  ; 
'  So  short  a  visit  surely  you'll  not  make  ; 
•At  least  some  slight  refreshment  you  will 

take : ' 
And  saying  thus,  she  brought  me  heaps  of 

food, 
More  than  I  might  describe,  all  fresh  and 

good ; 
Fish,   ven'son,   wild-fowl,    and    all   sorts   of 

game ; — 
Much   did   I  wonder  whence   the   Deuce  it 

came. 

Of  all  these  to  my  heart's  content  I  ate, 
And  heartily  enjoyed  the  bounteous  treat. 
And  even  when  I  'd  had  my  utmost  fill, 
She  kept  on  urging  me  to  take  more  still : — 
For  some  there  are  so  over-hospitable, 
Would  force  their  Guests  eat  more  than  they 

are  able. — 

A  joint  of  fine  buck  ven'son  then  brought  she 
A  present  for  my  Wife  and  Family. 
I  thanked  her,  as  behoved  me,  for  her  cheer ; 
She   was   all   gracious ;    called   me   '  Cousin 

dear ; ' 

And  said,  '  I  hope  to  see  you  often  here.' 
I  promised  all  she  asked  ;  indeed  I  would 
Have  promised  anything,  as  matters  stood. 

"  At  length  I  managed  to  get  safely  off, 
Without  an  accident,  and  pleased  enough  ; 
For  nothing  found  I  there,  you  may  suppose, 
Either  to  gratify  the  eyes  or  nose. 
Through  the  dark  gall'ries  did  I  swiftly  flee, 
And  hastened  to  the  op'ning  by  the  tree  : 
There  on  the  greensward  Isegrim  still  lay, 
Sighing  and  groaning  in  a  grievous  way. 
'  How  fares  it  with  you,  Uncle  mine  ? '  I  cried  ; 
'  Ah  !  nearly  dead  with  hunger  ; '  he  replied. 
I  pitied  him,  and  just  his  life  to  save, 
The  meat  I  brought  to  him  I  freely  gave. 
He  ate  it  up  with  grateful  gluttony  ; 


Though  now  he  has  forgotten  all,  you  see. 
His  meal  concluded,  he  desired  to  know, 
Who  were  the  Dwellers  in  the  cave  below  : 
'  What  sort  of  Folk  are  they  down  there  ? '  he 

said  ; 

'  And  was  your  entertainment  good  or  bad  ?  ' 
I  told  him  just  the  pure  and  naked  truth  ; 
The  nest  was  vile,  the  Inmates  most  uncouth  ; 
In  manners  wild,  uncourteous,  and  rough  ; 
To   make   amends    though    there   was    food 

enough  : 

And  if  he  wished  himself  to  have  a  share, 
He  'd  nought  to  do  but  enter  boldly  there  ; 
Only  he  must  be  mindful  Truth  to  spare. 
'  Though  Falsehood  is   almost   the   worst  of 

crimes, 

'  Truth  is  not  to  be  spoken  at  all  times.' 
This  I  repeated  to  him  o'er  and  o'er, 
And  added  sev'ral  sage  instructions  more  : 
'  He  who  unwisely  swaggering  about  Truth, 
'  Has  it  for  ever  wobbling  in  his  mouth, 
'  Is  sure  to  meet  with  endless  grief  and  woe, 
'  And  persecution  wheresoe'er  he  go  ; 
'  Others  caressed  and  prosp'rous  shall  he  find ; 
'  While  he  in  ev'ry  place  will  lag  behind.' 
1  fully  warned  him  what  he  might  expect, 
If  he  these  warnings  madly  should  neglect : 
'  He  who  but  speaks  what  Others  like  to  hear 
'  Is  sure  to  be  respected  far  and  near.' 

*'  These  are  the  very  words,   Sire,   that  I 

spake, 
Both  for  his  guidance,  and  my  conscience' 

sake  : 

But  if  he  chose  to  act  quite  contrary 
And  suffer'd  for  it,  who  to  blame  but  he  ? 
His  locks  with  age  are  grizzled,  but 't  is  plain 
One  seeks  for  judgment  under  them  in  vain. 
Such  stupid  Brutes  on  bluntness  lay  a  stress, 
And  disregard  all  prudence  and  finesse ; 
And,   groping    underground   with   mole-like 

eyes, 

Affect  the  light  of  Wisdom  to  despise. 
The  sole  advice  I  pressed  on  him,  forsooth, 
Was  not  to  be  too  spendthrift  of  the  Truth  : 
He  rudely  answered,  '  I  should  think  I  know 
'  How  to  behave,  at  least  as  well  as  you.' 
Into  the  cave  then  did  he  boldly  trot ; 
And  you  shall  hear  what  welcome  there  he  got. 
"He  finds  the  frightful  Dam  within   her 

lair, 

Like  some  old  dotard  Devil  crouching  there  : 
The  young  ones  too !  With  terror  and  sur- 
prise, 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


73 


'  Help  !    help  !     what  hideous   Beasts  !  '    he 

wildly  cries  ; 
'  Are   these  your  Offspring,  pray  ?     Faugh  ! 

how  they  smell ! 
'  Worse  than  the  slime-engendered  Spawn  of 

Hell! 
'  Take  them  and  drown  them ! — that  is  all 

they  '  re  worth  ; — 

'  Lest  the  unclean  Brood  overrun  the  earth  ! 
4  An  they  were  mine,  I  'd  have  them  throttled 

straight ; 
1  To  catch  young  Devils  they  might  serve  as 

bait ; 
'  Onfe  need  but  take  them  down  to  some  bog's 

edge, 
'  And  let  them  hang  there,  fastened  to  the 


'  Bog-apes  indeed  !  it  is  a  name  that  suits 
'  Their  nature  well,  the  nasty,  dirty  Brutes  ! ' 
The  outraged  Mother  answered  with  a  shriek, 
For  haste  and   anger  scarce  would   let  her 

speak ; 

'  What  Devil  sent  this  bouncing  Knave  to  us  ? 
'  In  my  own  house  to  be  insulted  thus  ! 
'  The   vulgar    Ruffian  !     My   poor    Children 

too! 

'  Ugly  or  handsome,  what  is  that  to  you  ? 
<  Reynard   the   Fox,   with   fifty    times  your 

sense, 

'  A  man  of  knowledge  and  experience, 
'  Has  only  just  now  left  us  ;  he  avow'd 
'  My  Young  were  handsome,  and  their  man- 
ners good ; 
'  Nay   e'en   to   call    them    Cousins    he   was 

proud.    . 

'  A  short  time  back,  and  in  this  very  place, 
'  All  this  he  stated  frankly  to  my  face. 
*  If  you  they  do  not  please,  as  they  did  him, 
'  Remember  you   came    here   of   your   own 

whim  ; 

'  Nobody  asked  you,  Gaffer  Isegrim  !  ' 
But  he  demanded  food  of  her,  and  said  ; 
'  Bring  it  at  once,  or  I  your  search  may  aid  ; 
'  I  cannot  stand  your  vanity  to  please.' — 
With  that  he  strove  upon  her  store  to  seize. 
Nor  prudent  was  the   thought,  or  wise  the 

deed ; 

But  little  did  he  all  my  cautions  heed. 
Upon   him,  quick    as    thought,   herself   she 

threw, 
And  bit  and  scratched  him,  that  the  blood 

she  drew. 
Her  children  too  were  all  as  bad  as  she, 


And  tore  and  clawed  and  mauled  him  fear 

fully. 

He  did  not  dare  return  their  blows  again  ; 
But  howled  and  screamed  in  agony  of  pain. 
He  sought, — the  only  chance  his  life  to  save — 
With  hasty  steps,  the  op'ning  of  the  cave. 
"  I  saw  him  come,  with  mangled  cheeks 
and  lips, 


His  torn  hide  hanging  down  in  gory  strips  ; 
One  ear  was  split  and  bloody  was  his  nose ; 
He  looked,  in  short,  one  wound  from  head  to 

toes. 

I  asked,  for  his  condition  moved  my  ruth, 
'  You  surely  have  not  gone  and  spoke  the 

Truth  ? ' 

But  he  replied  ;  '  I  said  just  what  I  thought. 
•Oh!    to   what   sad   disgrace    have    I   been 

brought ! 

'  The  uprly  Witch  !  Ah,  would  I  had  her  here  ! 
'  I  'd  make  her  pay  for  my  dishonor,  dear ! 
'  What  think  you,  Reynard?    Have  you  ever 

seen 

'  So  vile  a  Brood  ;  so  nasty  and  obscene  ? 
'  I  told  her  so,  and  surely  I  did  right ; 
'  But  straight  I  lost  all  favor  in  her  sight. 
'  I  came  but  badly  off,  upon  my  soul ! 
'  Would  I  had  never  seen  the  cursed  hole  ! ' 
Then  answered  I,    '  You   must  be   mad,  I 

swear ; 

'  How  widely  different  my  instructions  were  •, 
''Your  Servant,  dearest  Aunt,"  you  should 

have  said, — 
'  It  never  injures  one  to  seem  well-bred  ; — 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


"  The  world,  I  hope,  goes  ever  well  with  you, 
"  And   your    sweet   darling   little   Children 

too. 

"  The  joy  I  feel  is  more  than  I  can  tell 
"  To  see  you  looking  all  so  nice  and  well." — 
But  Isegrim  impatiently  broke  in  ; 
'  What !  call  that  Bitch  my  Aunt !  those  Cubs 

my  Kin ! 

'  The  Devil  may  make  off  with  all  the  Fry  ; 
'  He  their  relationship  may  claim,  not  I ! 
'  Faugh !  but  they  are  a  foul  and  filthy   race  ! 
'  Ne'er  again  may  I  meet  them  face  to   face  !  ' 
"  Such  were  his  actions,  such  was   his  re- 
ward ; 

Judge  then  if  I  betrayed  him,  good  my  Lord. 
He  can't  deny  that  what  I  've  said  is  true ; 
At  least 't  will  not  much  help  him  if  he  do.'1 
Then  Isegrim  replied  with  wrathful  tongue, 
His   breast   with   sense   of     deep    injustice 

wrung ; 

"  What  boots  this  idle  war  of  angry  words  ? 
Can    we    decide    our   feud     with    woman's 

swords  ? 

Right  still  is  Right,   whate'er  the   Bad  pre- 
tend! 

And  he  who  hath  it,  keeps  it  to  the  end. 
Reynard  now  bears  himself  as  vauntingly 
As  though  the  Right  were  his  ;  but   we  shall 

see. 
"  With    me    you    shall    do    battel  ;  thus 

alone 
On  which  side  truth   is  marshalled  shall  be 

known. 

A  pretty  tale  forsooth  is  this  you  tell 
Of  our  adventure  at  the  She-ape's  cell ; 
That  I  was  starving  and  was  fed  by  you  ! 
But  in  what  manner  gladly  I  would  know  ; 
For  what  you  brought  me  was  just  nought 

but  bone ; 
You  best  yourself  know  where  the   flesh  was 

gone. 
And  there  you   boldly  stand,  and   flout  and 

jeer — 
By  Heav'n  !  but  this  doth  touch  mine  honor 

near! 
Suspicions    vile   your   false   and   slanderous 

tongue 

On  my  good  name  and  loyalty  hath  flung ; 
That  I,  devoid  of  'legiance  and  faith, 
Had  compassed   and  imagined    my     King's 

death : 

While  you  to  Him  with  idle  fables  prate 
Of  stores  and  treasures,  at  a  shameless  rate. 


Treasures  and  stores,  forsooth  !    to   my   poor 

mind, 

Such  wonders  will  be  somewhat  hard  to  find. 
But   what  doth    most    my    vengeful    wrath 

arouse 
Is  the  deep  shame  you've   done  my  dearest 

Spouse. 
"  For  all  these   grievances,   both  old  and 

new, 

I  will  do  battel  to  the  death  with  you. 
Here  to  your  face  do  I  proclaim  you  are 
A  Traitor  vile,  a  Thief,  a  Murderer ; 
And  I  will  make  it  good,  life  against  life  ; 
And  thus,  and  not  by  chiding,  end  our  strife. 
What  I  avouch,  I  am  prepared  to  prove ; 
Whereof  in  token  here  I  fling  my  glove ; 
Thus  formally  the  battel  do  I  wage ; 
Stoop   then   if  you  have  heart,  and  lift  my 

gage. 
My   Sov' reign   Liege   and   all  th'  assembled 

Lords 
Have   heard  and  know   the   import   of  my 

words ; 

They  will  assist  this  trial  of  the  right, 
As  Witnesses  of  our  judicial  fight. 
But  you  shall  not  escape  me  anyhow, 
Until  our  feud  is  settled  ;  that  I  vow  !  " 
Then   with   himself  did  Reynard  counsel 

take; 

'  Fortune  and  life  are  now  indeed  at  stake  : 
'  For   big  and   strong   is   he ;    I,  weak    and 

small ; 

'  'Twere  sad  if  ill  mine  efforts  now  befall ; 
'  Vain   then   were   all   my  cunning   and   my 

skill ; 

'  Yet  will  I  hope  a  good  conclusion  still. 
'  Of  some  advantage  I  may  fairly  boast ; 
'  Since  his  fore-claws  he  hath  but  lately  lost : 
'  And,  in  the  end,  unless  his  passion  cool, 
'  He  may  perchance  be  foiled,  presumptuous 

Fool ! ' 

Then  to  the  Wolf  he  boldly  thus  spake  out: 
"  I  stuff  the  Traitor's  name   back   down  your 

throat ! 

Charge  upon  charge  against  me  you  devise, 
But  I  denounce  them  all  as  groundless  lies  ; 
You  offer  battel  now,  and  haply  think 
That  from  the  trial  I  in  fear  may  shrink  ; 
But  long  I've  wished  this  means  my  truth  to 

prove  ; 

The  challenge  I  accept !  Lo  !  here  my  glove  ! '' 

Then  Noble,  King  of  Beasts,  agreed  to  hold 

The  gages  proffered  by  these  champions  bold ; 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


75 


And  said,   "  Bring  forth  your  Sureties  now 

as  bail 

That  at  to-morrow's  fight  you  shall  not  fail, 
Both  sides   I've   heard,   but  understand  no 

more — 

Nay,  less  I  may  say — than  I  did  before." 
As   Is' grim' s   Sureties   stood  the  Cat  and 

Bear, 

Tybalt  and  Bruin ;  those  for  Reynard  were 
Greybeard   and   Monkie,   Martin's  Son   and 

Heir. 
To  Reynard  then  thus  spake  Dame  Rucke- 

naw ; 
"Coolness  and  prudence  now  must  be  your 

law. 

My  Husband,  who  is  on  his  road  to  Rome, 
Taught  me   a  pray'r  last  time   he    was   at 

home ; 

Good  Abbot  Gulpall  did  the  same  compose, 
And  gave  it,  as  a  favor,  to  my  Spouse. 
He  said  it  was  a  pray'r  of  wond'rous  might, 
A  saving  spell  for  those  about  to  fight : 
He  who,   the   morning,   this  should   fasting 

hear, 

Nor  pain  nor  peril  all  that  day  need  fear ; 
Vanquished  he  could  not  be  by  any  Foe, 
Nor  death  nor  wounds  of  any  nature  know. 
This  pray'r  o'er  you  to-morrow  will  I  say  ; 
Then,  Nephew  dear,  be  jocund  for  to-day." 
"Thanks,   dearest  Aunt,"  said   Reynard, 

"  for  your  care  ; 

Deeply  beholden  am  I  for  your  pray'r  ; 
But  mostly  do  I  trust,  and  ever  will, 
The  justice  of  my  cause,  and  mine  own  skill." 
All  night  his  Friends  remained  with  him, 

and  sought 
With    cheerful   chat  to   scare   each    gloomy 

thought. 
Dame  Ruckenaw,  more  thoughtful  than  the 

rest, 

Was  ever  busied  how  to  serve  him  best. 
From    head    to   tail   she    had    him    closely 

sheared, 

And  then  with  fat  and  oil  his  body  smeared  ; 
He  stood  all   smooth  and  sleek  from  top  to 

toe, 

That  he  no  grip  should  oifer  to  his  Foe. 
Then  thus  she  spake  ;  "  We  must  be  cir- 
cumspect, 

And  on  all  chances  of  the  fight  reflect. 
Hearken  to  my  advice ;  a  Friend  in  need, 
Who  gives  good  counsel,  is  a  Friend  indeed. 
To-night,  whate'er  you  do,  before  you  sleep, 


Of  light  Liebfrauenmilch  drink  pottle-deep  : 
To-morrow,  when  you  enter  in  the  lists — 
Attend  me  well,  herein  the  point  consists — 
Wet  well  your  brush — I  need   not  tell  you 
how — 


Then  fly  upon  your  unsuspecting  Foe  ; 

Lash  at  his  face,  and  salve  him  right  i'  th* 

eye; 

His  smarting  sight  will  darken  instantly : 
This  cannot  fail  to  cause  him  sore  distress, 
And  in  the  combat  profit  you  no  less. 
Next  must  you  take  to  flight,  as  though  in 

fear  ; 

He  will  be  sure  to  follow  in  your  rear ; 
You  will  take  heed  to  run  against  the  wind, 
While  your  swift  feet  kick  up  the  dust  behind  ; 
So  shall  his  lids  be  closed  with  sand  and  dirt; 
Then  on  one  side  spring  sudden  and  alert ; 
And  while  he  stops  his  smarting  eyes  to  wipe, 
Upon  them  deal  another  stinging  stripe ; 
Thus,  blinded,  at  your  mercy  shall  he  be, 
And  yours  the  undisputed  victory. 

"  Yourself  to  rest  now,  dearest   Nephew, 

lay; 

We  will  be  sure  to  wake  you  when  't  is  day. 
But  first,  as  now  the  midnight  hour  is  past, 
Ere  yet  you  slumber,  and  while  still  you  fast, 
Your  heart  to  strengthen,  should  it  chance  be 

weak, 
Those  sacred  words  of  power  I  '11  o'er  you 

speak." 
Then  both  her  hands  she  placed  upon  his 

head, 
And  with  a  solemn  voice  these  words  she  said  : 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


'  Tiw  rof  tfo  sessap  hsir'bbig  gnidnuos-hgih  !  ' 

Now  ev'ry  adverse  charm  you  may  defy." 
They  laid  him  then  to  rest  beneath  a  tree  ; 

And  there  he  slept  both  long  and  tranquilly. 
Soon   as   the  morning  o'er   the  hill-tops 
brake, 

The  Beaver  came  his  Kinsman  to  awake ; 

With  him  the  Otter ;  greeting  kind  they  gave ; 

Bade  him  arise,  and  bear  him  bold  and  brave  - 

And  laughing  said,  he  had  no  need  to  shave. 
The  Otter  brought  with  him  a  nice  young 
duck, 

And  handing  it  to  Reynard,  thus  he  spoke : 

"For  this  I've  toiled,  while  you  were  fast 
asleep ; 

And  it  hath  cost  me  many  a  parlous  leap ; 

I  caught  it  at  the  mill  near  Huenerbrod ; 

Eat  it,  dear  Coz;  and  may  it  do  you  good  !  " 
"  Gramercy   for  the  handsel!"    Reynard 
said, 

With  cheerful  heart  as  out  he  skipped  from 
bed; 

"  So  choice  a  present  I  would  never  slight ; 

I   pray  that  Heav'n  your  kindness  may  re- 
quite." 
He  ate  and  drank  unto  his  heart's  content ; 

Then  to  the  lists  with  all  his  Friends  he  went ; 

Down  to  a  sandy  level  near  a  field, 

Where  the  appointed  combat  should  be  held. 

CHAPTER  THE  TWELFTH. 

THE  BATTEL. 

WHEN  Reynard  thus  before   the  throne   ap- 
peared, 

Shorn   of  his   hair,  with  oil   and   ointment 
smeared ; 

The  good  King  was  so  tickled  with  the  sight, 

He  could  not  choose  but  fairly  laugh  outright. 

"  Why,  Fox,  who  taught  thee  such  a  trick  ?  " 

he  cried, 
"  As  shave  thy  hair  away,  to  save  thy  hide  ! 

Reynard  the  Fox  well  may  they  christen  thee. 

For  all  thy  life  is  full  of  foxery  ; 

No  matter  how  involved  may  be  the  scrape, 

Thou  'rt  sure   to   find    some    loop-hole    for 

escape." 
Low  to  the  King,  with  reverential  mien, 

Bowed    Reynard,    and    still    lower    to    the 
Queen ; 

Then  gaily  did  he  leap  the  lists  within, 

Where  waited  Isegrim  with  all  his  Kin  ; 

Who  prayed  the  Fox  might  find  a  shameful 
fate, 


And  showered  upon  him  words  of  threat' ning 

hate. 
The  Lynx  and  Libbard,  Marshals   of  the 

list, 

Brought  forth  the  holy  relics  in  a  chest ; 
The  while,  bare-headed  stood  the  Champions 

both, 

The  Wolf  and  Fox,  and  took  the  wonted  oath. 
With    many   angry   words    and    scowling 

looks, 

First  Isegrim  the  Wolf  swore  'gainst  the  Fox : 
He  was  a  Traitor,  Murderer  and  Thief; 
Guilty  of  ev'ry  kind  of  crime,  in  brief; 
False  unto  him  and  outraging  his  Wife  ; 
This  he  would  prove  against  him,  life  for  life. 
Then  Reynard  swore,  upon  the  other  side, 
That  Isegrim,  the  Wolf,  most  foully  lied  ; 
A  Traitor  and  a  Perjurer  was  he, 
While  he  himself  from  ev'ry  crime  was  free. 
The  doughty  Marshals  then,  ere  they  with- 
drew, 

Bade  both  the  Champions  their  devoir  to  do, 
And  truly  keep  the  rules  of  lawful  fight ; 
And    Heav'n   in  justice   would   defend   the 

Right  ; 

The  lists  then  duly  cleared  of  ev'ry  one, 
They  left  the  Champions  in  the  midst  alone. 
To  Reynard   though    Dame  Ruckenaw  drew 

near, 

And,  as  she  passed,  thus  whispered  in  his  ear ; 
"  Remember,  Nephew,  the  advice  I  gave  ; 
My  counsel  follow,  and  your  credit  save.'' 

To  her,  in  cheerful  tones,  the  Fox  replies  ; 
"  My  heart  your  kindly  warning   fortifies; 
My  wiles  have  carried  me  through  many  a 

scrape, 

Through  risks  of  ev'ry  kind  and  ev'ry  shape  ; 
Nor  fear  I  but  they  shall  assist  me  now 
To  baffle  yonder  fierce  and  savage  Foe. 
Shame  upon  him  and  his  I  look  to  heap, 
While  all  my  Friends  shall  fame  and  honor 

reap." 

Now  stand  the  Champions  in  the  lists  alone, 
While  husht  and  still  the  anxious  Crowd  look 

on. 
Wildly   and    savagely,    with    outstretched 

claws, 

With  bristling  hair,  and  wide-distended  jaws, 
Is'grim,  the  Wolf,  the  onset  first  began, 
And,  swift  as  thought,  at  his  Opponent  ran. 
The  wily  Fox  dared  not  the  charge  abide, 
But,  light  of  foot,  sprang  actively  aside ; 
Nor  did  he  now  his  Aunt's  advice  forget ; 


T     . 

*  .-   * 

•«,-'•  -* 


REYNARD  THE  FOX 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


77 


His  bushy  tail  already  had  he  wet ; 
On  ev'ry  side  this  did  he  whisk  and  flirt, 
And  so  besmear  it  well  with  sand  and  dirt. 
Thought  Isegrim,  "I  surely  have  him  now;" 
But  Reynard  dealt  him  so  severe  a  blow, 
Across  his  eyes,  with  his  bedraggled  tail, 
That  the  Wolfs  eight  and  hearing  'gan  to  fail. 
'T  was  not  the  only  time  this  trick  he'd 

played  ; 

Others  this  stinging  ointment  had  essayed  ; 
Isegrim's  Children  he  half  blinded  so, 
As  has  been  hinted  at  some  time  ago  ; 
And  now  he  hoped  to  blind  the  Father,  too. 

Having  to  Is' grim' s  eyes  this  salve  applied  ; 
Again  the  wily  Reynard  sprang  aside ; 
And  taking  care  to  run  against  the  wind, 
He  stirred  a  mighty  cloud  of  dust  behind. 
This  filled  the  Wolf's  eyes,  that  they  smarted 

sore ; 
The  more  he  rubbed,  they  smarted  all  the 

more ; 

And  worse  he  fared  than  he  had  done  before. 
Meanwhile  the  crafty  Reynard  did  not  fail 
To  ply  with  vigor  his  assiduous  tail ; 
Lashing  his  Adversary  left  and  right, 
Till  wholly  he  deprived  him  of  his  sight. 
Faint  he  became,  and   dazed,  and   all  con- 
fused : 

The  wary  Fox  quick  his  advantage  used  : 
"Aha,  Sir  Wolf, 
How    many    a    Lamb    and    other  harmless 

Beast 
Your  maw  have    furnished    with    a    guilty 

feast ; 
While   I    have    borne    the  scandal  and    the 

blame, 
And  your  bad  deeds   have   sullied   my   good 

name ; 

But  your  iniquities  henceforth  shall  cease  ; 
And  the  poor  Innocents  may  rest  in  peace. 
A  boon  as  gainful  'tis  to  you,  as  them, 
Your  further  guilty  progress  now  to  stem  ; 
Your  only  chance  is  this  your  soul  to  save ; 
Yet  if  my  pardon  you  will  humbly  crave, 
And  freely  own  that  vanquished  now  you  are, 
I  will  have  mercy,  and  your  life  will  spare." 
He  said;  and  gripping   hard  his   Foeman's 

throat, 

Again  his  bleeding  cheeks  he  fiercely  smote. 
But  Is'grim's  strength  no  longer  idle  lay  ; 
He  gave  two  vig'rous  twists,  and  tore  away. 
But  Reynard  at  his  face  once  more  lets  fly, 
And  sharply  striking  him,  tears  out  an  eye: 


A   deep  arid  ghastly     wound  !    the  smoking 

blood 

Adown  his  cheek  in  crimson  current  flow'd. 
"  See !  "  quoth  the  taunting  Fox  ;     "  he  hath 

it  now  ; 

Avenged  am  I,  and  vanquished  is  my  foe  ! " 
But  mad    with    pain    and    heedless    of   his 

wound, 
The    savage     Wolf,    with    one    tremendous 

bound, 
On  Reynard  sprang,  and  bore    him    to    the 

ground : 

He  seizing  in  his  fearful  jaws, 
One  of  Sir  Reynard's  foremost  paws 
Shewed  him  the  fight  was  not  yet  done 
And  taught  him  that  to  change  his  tone, 
Good  reason  might  be  found. 
No  other  way  was  there  to  choose, 
Unless  indeed  his  paw  to  lose 

Which  still  he  hoped  to  save; — 
Meanwhile  the  Wolf  in  angry  voice 
And  wrathful  words  this  wretched  choice 

To  his  opponent  gave ; 
"  Thrice  perjured  Knave,  thy  hour  has  come, 
Yield  thee  or  death  shall  be  thy  doom. 
Thine  hour  is  come  !  it  little  shall  avail 
To  scratch  the  dust  up,  or  bewet  thy  tail ; 
To   save   thy    hair  ;     to  smear  thyself  with 

grease  ; 
Woe  on  thee,  Miscreant !  thou'st  run  out  thy 

lease ! 
Thou'st  wrought  me  countless  ills  ;  told  many 

a  lie ; 

Wounded  me  sorely,  and  tore  out  mine  eye  ; 
But   now,   escape   thou   shalt  not ;    yield  or 

die !  " 
Thought  Reynard  then ;   "  This  is  an  evil 

hour ! 

What  shall  I  do  on  earth  t'  avoid  his  pow'r? 
Me,  if  I  yield  not,  will  this  Savage  slay  ; 
If  I  do  yield,  disgraced  am  I  for  aye. 
I've  earned   his  hate,   for   I've   abused   him 

still, 

With  wrong  and  insult,  to  my  utmost  skill." 
Then,  with  sweet   words  and   accents  soft 

and  smooth, 
He  strove  his   fierce    Opponent's  wrath    to 

soothe ; 

"  Hear  me,  good  Uncle !  I  with  joy  will  be 
Your  Vassal,  I  and  all  my  Family  ; 
A  pilgrimage  with  pleasure,  for  your  sake, 
Unto  the  Holy  Sepulchre  I'll  make  ; 
I'll  visit  ev'ry  church  upon  my  track, 


78 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


And  endless  absolutions  bring  you  back  ; 
Your  soul  to  benefit  these  cannot  fail ; 
Your  blessed  parents  too  they  may  avail ; 
Though  they  may  now  be  in  a  better  place ; 
Who     is     there    does    not     need     a  saving 

Grace? 

I'll  honour  you,  as  though  the  Pope  you  were ; 
The  deepest  and  most  solemn  oaths  will  swear, 
That  I  myself  and  all  my  Relatives 
Shall  do  you  homage  for  our  goods  and  lives  ; 
And  suit  and  service  will  we  yield  to  you, 
More  than  to  our  liege  King  we  even  do. 
"Take  then   my  offer,   Uncle,   while    you 

may; 
And  all   the  land   shall  quickly   own   your 

sway; 

All  that  I  catch  myself,  to  you  I'll  bring  ; 
Fish,    Fowls,    Ducks,   Geese   and  Pigeons — 

everything  ! 
Yourself,  your   Wife   and   Children,    of   all 

pelf 

Shall  have  first  choice,  ere  I  will  taste  my- 
self. 

Your  safety  will  I  watch  with  anxious  eye, 
That   harm  or   danger  ne'er  approach    you 

nigh. 

They  call  me  cunning,  powerful  are  you  ; 
Together  what  great  things  may  we  not  do  ! 
What  a  confed'racy  were  this  of  ours  ! 
Wisdom  and  Strength  !  who  could  withstand 

such  pow'rs ! 

To  join  together  thus  though,  but  to  fight — 
That,  dearest  Uncle,  never  can  be  right ! 
This  combat  I  had  done  my  best  to  shun, 
If  but  it  might  with  honor  have  been  done. 
But,  as  the  public  challenge  came  from  you, 
What,  in  the  name  of  honor,  could  I  do  ? 
My  courtesy  I've  carried  such  a  length, 
I've  not  put  forth  one  quarter  of  my  strength  : 
For  to  myself  I  said,  '  Now,  have  a  care  ; 
'  It  is  but  right  you  should  your  Uncle  spare.' 
Had  I  but  given  way  to  hate  or  spleen, 
How  different  the  issue  might  have  been  ! 
You  have  not  suffered  much  ;    if  your  poor 

eye 

Have  met  with  an  untoward  injury, 
It  happened  by  the  purest  accident, 
For  which,  with  all  my  soul,  do  I  lament. 
I  know  a  simple  and  a  certain  cure, 
In  which  you  shall  participate,  be  sure : 
Or  if  the  hurt  be  greater  than  my  skill, 
You'll  have  one  comforting  advantage  still : 
If  you  at  any  time  would  fain  repose, 


Only  one  window  will  you  have  to  close  ; 
While  we,  unless  we  always  keep  awake, 
A  double  trouble  have  to  undertake. 

"  Bethink  you  then,  dear  Uncle  ;  all  my 

Kin 

Shall  kneel  before  your  feet,  my  grace  to  win  : 
Here,  in  full  Court,   my  Children  and  my 

Wife 

From  you  shall  pray  my  pardon  and  my  life. 
Here  will  I  even  publicly  declare, 
The  crimes,  I  charged  you  with,  but  slanders 

were  ; 

That  I  have  grossly  lied  ;  nay,  I  will  vow, 
That  nought  against  your  character  I  know  ; 
That,  for  all  future  time,  I  never  will 
Or  breathe  or  think  against  you  aught  of  111. 

"  This  freely  will  I  do  to  soothe  your  ire  : 
What  expiation  can  you  more  desire  ? 
Kill   me ;    and  where  will  be   the    slightest 

good? 
My  Friends  and  Kindred  will  keep  up  the 

feud. 
Spare  me ;    and  think  how  in   renown  you 

rise  ; 

For  all  will  deem  you  generous  and  wise. 
Prove  thus  how  truly  noble  is  your  mind ; 
Another  chance  you  may  not  quickly  find. 
But  do  your  pleasure  ;  for  you  will,  I  see : — 
To  live  or  die  is  all  the  same  to  me  !  " 

"False  Fox!"   replied  the   savage   Wolf; 

"  how  fain 

Thou  from  my  grapple  wouldst  be  loose  again  ! 
But  were  the  world   one   lump  of  fire-tried 

gold, 

And  offered  here,  my  vengeance  to  withhold, 
I  would  not,  base  Dissembler,  let  thee  go  : 
What  value  are  thine  oaths,  full  well  I  know. 
What  for  thy  Friends  or  Kindred  do  I  care  ? 
Their  enmity  methinks  I  well  may  bear. 
Well  might'st  thou  at  my  silly  weakness  scoff, 
If  protestations  now  could  get  thee  off. 
Of  thy  forbearance  thou  didst  boasting  speak  ! 
How  is  't  mine  eye    hangs  bleeding  on  my 

cheek  ? 

By  thine  infernal  claws  is  not  my  hide 
In  twenty  places  scored  and  scarified  ? 
When  panting  I  was  worn  almost  to  death, 
What  leisure  didst  thou   grant  to  fetch  my 

breath  ? 

Pardon  and  Mercy  !     That  is  not  the  way 
That  Injury  and  Insult  I  repay! 
Me  thou  hast  basely  wronged  ;  and  my  poor 

Wife— 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


79 


Ah  !  thou  shalt  pay  the  forfeit  with  thy  life !" 
Thus  spake  the  Wolf;  the  crafty  Fox  mean- 
while, 
Who  saw  that  nothing  could  be  gained  by 

guile, 

Using  the  other  hand  he  still  had  free, 
Gripped  hold  of  his  Opponent  savagely  • 
And  in  so  very  sensitive  a  part, 
The  startled  Wolf  howled  with  the  sick'ning 

smart. 

Swift  then  the  Fox  withdrew  his  other  paw 
From  the  huge  chasm  of  that  portentous  jaw  ; 
With    both   his   Foeman   hard    and   fast  he 

clenched, 
And  lugged  and   scratched  and  haled   and 

nipped  and  wrenched, 

That  Isegrim  screamed  out,  till  blood  he  spate, 
And  brake  with  pain  into  a  seething  sweat. 
Glad  Reynard  deemed  his   conquest  now 

secure ; 
Yet,  tooth  and  nail,  held  firm,  to  make  all 

sure  ; 
While  the  Wolf,  spent  and  sprawling  under 

most, 

Stifled  and  blind,  himself  gave  up  for  lost 
The   sanguine   stream   in    copious    currents 

flows, 
Adown  his  beard,  from  eyes  and  mouth  and 

nose. 
Oh !  not  for  heaps  of  wealth  and  boundless 

gold, 

The  triumph  of  that  hour  had  Reynard  sold ! 
The  more  his  Foe  grew  faint  and  weak,  the 

more 
He  griped  and  pinched  and  bit  and  clawed 

and  tore  ; 
I'  th'  dust  the  Wolf  rolled,  with  dull,  hollow 

sobs, 

Gestures  unseemly  and  convulsive  throbs. 
With  wailings  loud  his  Friends  the  Monarch 

prayed 
He   would   command   the   combat   might  be 

stayed : 

The  King  replied  ;  "  E'en  so  then  let  it  be, 
If  you  all  wish  it ;  't  is  all  one  to  me.1' 

Then  Noble  bids  the  Marshals  of  the  list 
To  cause  the  champions  from  the  fight  desist. 
The  Lynx   and   Libbard  quick   are  at  their 

post, 

And  Reynard  as  the  Conqueror  thus  accost ; 
'  Enough  !  the  King  doth  now  his  mandate 

send 
The  combat  shall  conclude,  the  strife  shall  end. 


He  wills  you  spare  the  life  of  Isegrim, 
And  leave  the  issue  of  the  day  to  Him. 
If  either  of  the  Twain  should  lose  his  life, 
We  all  had  reason  to  regret  the  strife. 
The  vict'ry,  Reynard,  rests  with  you  ;  we  own 
That  you  right  nobly  your  devoir  have  done ; 
And  have  from  all  golden  opinions  won." 
Then   Reynard  said;  "To  all   my  thanks   I 

pay; 

And  gladly  will  the  King's  behests  obey  ; 
Too  proud  to  do  whatever  he  require : 
Victor  !  what  triumph  can  I  more  desire  ? 
But  that  my  cause  I  may  not  prejudice 
I  humbly  crave  to  ask  my  Friends'  advice." 
Then  Reynard's  Friends   with  one  accord 

replied ; 

"  We  think  it  best  the  King  were  satisfied." 
And  round   him    gathered     in     tumultuous 

flocks 

The  Relatives  of  the  victorious  Fox  ; 
The  Beaver  and  the  Otter  and  the  Ape, 
With  Greybeard,  wished  him  joy  of  his  es- 
cape. 

And  many  greeted  him  as  Friends,  of  those 
Who  heretofore  had  been  his  dearest  Foes  ; 
The  Squirrel  and  the  Weasel  and  the  Stoat, 
The  Ermine  too,  and  some  of  lesser  note, 
Who  formerly  would  scarcely  speak  his  name, 
Kindred  with  him  are  now  too  glad  to  claim. 
In  fine,  he  found  no  end  of  Relatives, 
Who  brought  with  them  their  children  and 

their  Wives ; 

While  Great  and  Little  with  each  other  vie, 
To  lavish  compliments  and  flattery. 

In  the  World's  circle  fares  it  ever  thus  ; 
Good  wishes  rain  upon  the  Prosperous  ; 
But  the  unfortunate  or  needy  man 
May  e'en  get  through  his  troubles  as  he  can. 

So  fares  it  now  ;  and  all  the  Courtiers  strive 
How  honor  to  the  Victor  they  may  give. 
Some  sing ;  some  play  the  flute  ;  the  hautboy, 

some ; 
Some   blow   the   trumpet ;    others   beat    the 

drum ; 

And  his  now  num'rous  Friends  in  chorus  cry  ; 
"  Hail !  happy  day  of  joy  and  victory  ! 
Hail !  conqu'ring  Hero  !  unto  whom  we  trace 
The  honor  and  renown  of  all  our  Race. 
How  did  we  grieve  when  wounded  there  you 

lay! 

How  glad  we  greet  the  issue  of  the  fray !  " 
And   Reynard   answered;    "Thanks,    my 

worthy  Friends ; 


80 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


For   all   I've  borne    your    kindness    makes 

amends  :  ' ' 
Then,  while  behind  in  swarming  crowds  they 

prest, 
Marched   onward   with  the  Marshals  of  the 

list: 

And  thus  with  acclamations  loud  they  bring 
The  Conqueror  in  triumph  to  the  King. 

So  soon  as  they  arrived  before  the  throne, 
The   Fox   with   humble  bearing    knelt    him 

down ; 

But  the  good  Monarch  motioned  him  to  rise, 
And   then   addressed   him   thus,  in  gracious 
wise; 

"  The  day  is  yours  by  right  of  victory  ; 
And  from  all  forfeit  We  pronounce  you  free. 
With  all  Our  Aarons,  counsel  shall  be  ta'en, 

So  soon  as  Isegrim  is  whole  again  ; 
Then  will  We  judge  the  cause  as  best  we  may. 
The  matter  is  concluded  for  to-day." 

"Your   resolution,  Sire;"  with   bow  pro- 
found 

Said  wily  Reynard,  "  is  both  wise  and  sound. 
Thou  know'st,  when  first  I  did  appear, 
I  stood  accused  before  thy  throne, 
And  that,  by  some  now  standing  here, 
Of  crimes,  which  I  had  never  known ; — 
This  was  to  please  the  Wolf,  for  he 
Avow'd  himself  mine  enemy, 

And  sought  mine  overthrow. 
They  saw  that  he  held  lofty  place, 
And  had  thy  favor  and  thy  grace, 
Therefore,  they  join' d  him  to  decry 
My  fame, — and  yell'd  out  'Crucify!' 

A  sorry  pack,  I  trow ! 
They're  like  those  hungry  dogs  of  yore, 
That  gather'd  round  a  kitchen  door; 
Hoping  the  cook  their  plight  might  see, 
And  throw  a  bone,  for  charity. 
While  thus  they  gazed,  another  hound, 
They  saw  from  out  the  kitchen  bound  ; 
And  in  his  mouth  a  piece  of  meat, 
Which  he  had  stol'n;  but  his  retreat 
The  cook  had  mark'd — hot  water  thrown, 
And  scalded  him  unto  the  bone, 

But  still  he  kept  his  prize. 
'  Ah,  Ah ! '  the  others  cry  '  see,  see  ! 
Gad'  -/.oiiks,  a  lucky  dog  is  he, 
And  stands  in  favor  with  the  cook, 
Heavens,  what  a  piece ! — nay,  only  look ! ' 

But  quickly  he  replies : 
'  My  friends,  'tis  not  as  you  suppose  — 
Small  favor  have  I  had,  God  knows, 


And  as  you  all  may  see ! 
Seen  from  the  front,  no  doubt  you  find 
My  case  is  good ; — but  look  behind, 

And  you  will  pity  me ! ' 
They  look'd,  and  saw  his  scalded  tail 
And  back,  on  which  the  hair  did  fail ; 
And  gazed  in  horror  and  dismay, 
Hung  down  their  tails,  and  slunk  away, 

Leaving  him  there  alone. 

"  Such  is  the  fate,  Sire,  of  the  Covetous  ; 
They  prosper  and  they  perish  ever  thus  : 
In  pow'r  they  find  no  lack  of  eager  Friends, 
Who  fawn  upon  them  for  their  selfish  ends ; 
With  kind  indulgence  all  their  foibles  treat, 
Because  their  mouths  are  haply  full  of  meat  : 
From  All  they  look  for  and  receive  respect ; 
For  who  will  dare  the  Prosp'rous  to  neglect  ? 
Allies  in  Old  and  Young  alike  they  find, 
Until  misfortune  falls  on  them  behind  ; 
Their  enviable  lot  then  alters  quick, 
Their  former  Friends  to  them  no  longer  stick ; 
But  right  and  left  fall  off,  like  scalded  hair, 
And  leave  them  in  their  sorrow,  lone  and 

bare; 

Or  as  that  sycophantic  pack  of  Hounds 
Forsook  their  comrade,  when  they  saw  his 
wounds. 

"  Ah  !  Sire;  all  humble  though  he  be,  and 

weak, 
Shall  None  of  Reynard  thus  have  cause  to 

speak. 

I  set  some  value  on  my  honest  name ; 
My  Friends  through  me  shall  never  come  to 

shame. 

One  only  mission  have  I  to  fulfil ; 
To  learn  and  execute  my  Sov'reign's  will." 

''What  need  more  words?"  thus  did  the 

King  reply ; 

"  We  comprehend  the  matter  perfectly. 
To  you  as  a  free  Baron  We  restore 
All  privileges  you  e'er  held  before. 
Henceforth  at  Court  Our   favors  shall   you 

meet, 

And  at  Our  Privy  Council  take  your  seat. 
To  pow'r  and  honor  will  we  raise  you  up  ; 
And  you  shall  well  deserve  it,  as  we  hope. 
Whatever  faults  are  charged  on  you,  't  is 

clear 

We  never  can  afford  to  miss  you  here. 
Of  all  your  Peers  none  can  above  you  rise, 
If  only  you  prove  virtuous  as  wise. 
No  fresh   complaints   against    you  will   We 
hear, 


W  KAULSACH.  PINX. 


I  MC  COFFIN.  SCULP 


KEYNARD  THE  FOX 


GKBBIE  &  CO. 


.*- 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


M 


No  matter  what  Complainants  may  appear. 
Nay,  to  evince  Our  confidence  still  more, 
We  now  appoint  you  Lord  High  Chancellor ; 


Then   did   the    Fox    before    the   Monarch 

kneel, 
Saying  ;    "  Ah  !    could  I  speak  the  thanks  I 

feel 

To  You,  Sire,  and  my  gracious  Lady  dear, 
And,  I  may  add,  to  everybody  here ! 
May  Heav'n  eternal  blessings  on  you  shower; 
Would  to  confer  them  were  but  in  my  power. 
'•  And  now  with  grateful,  though  with  hum- 
ble heart, 

I  crave  Your  kind  permission  to  depart ; 
And  to  my  Wife  and  Children  home  return, 
Who   still  with    anxious    tears    my   absence 

mourn." 
"Depart  in  peace!"   replied  the  mighty 

King; 
"And  fear  not  any  man  or  any  thing." 

So  Reynard  left  with  all  his  Kin  ;  two  score 
There  were  who  with  him  journeyed,  if  not 

more. 

All  full  of  triumph  and  of  joy  they  are, 
And  in  their  Kinsman's  glory  hope  to  share. 
While  he  himself  his  transports  noway  veils; 
But  stalks  as  proud  as  though  he  had  two  tails  ; 
To  think  he'd  won  such  honor  by  sheer  wit, 
And  how  the  bravest  use  to  make  of  it. 
"  This   realm  henceforth    (thus  to   himself 

thought  he), 

On  true  Fox  principles  shall  governed  be, 
By  members  only  of  my  Family. 
A  certain  truth  the  world  may  thus  behold, 
How  much   more  wisdom  is   of  worth  than 

gold." 


Thus  he,  with  all  his  Friends,  as  an  escort, 
Reached  Malepartus,  his  domestic  fort. 
He  thanked  them  for  the  sympathy  they'd 

shewn, 

When  he  in  peril's  harm  had  stood  alone  ; 
And  promised  all  their  kindness  to  repay  ; 
Then  they  departed  and  went  each  his  way. 

His  dwelling  then  he  entered,  where  he 

found 

His  Wife  and  Children  haply  safe  and  sound. 
How  Ermelyne  rejoiced  tovsee  her  Lord 
To  her  fond  arms  alive  and  well  restor'd ! 
And  earnestly  she  prayed  him  to  relate 


#- 


V 

» 

'.I 


By  what   good  chance  he  'scaped  his  threat- 
ened fate. 

Reynard   replied ;    "  It   was   not   chance, 

dear  Wife, 
But  skill  and  cunning  that  have  saved  my 

.Jife. 

Again  with  Noble  reconciled  am  I ; 
Ne'er  in  his  favor  have  I  stood  so  high. 
He's  called  me  to  his  Council,  as  of  yore, 
And  in  full  Court  has  named  me  Chancellor  ; 
Has  given  into  my  keeping  the  Great  Seal : 
So  henceforth  I  shall  rule  the  Commonweal. 

The  Wolf  have  I  in  battel  overcome ; 
In  future  are  his  lips  for  ever  dumb ; 
Wounded  he  lies,  disabled  and  disgraced ; 
My  marks  of  vengeance  on  him  have  I  placed. 
Her  streams  of  sorrow  may  his  Wife  unsluice ; 
Henceforth  her  Husband  is  of  little  use. 
But  nothing  shall  I  grieve  on  that  account ; 
Vanquished  is  he,  and  I,  Lord  Paramount. 
Be   of   good  cheer  then,    Love ;    for   happy 
hours 


82 


REYNARD  THE  FOX. 


The  future  has  in  store  for  us  and  ours." 
Great  was  the  Vixen's  gladness  ;  while  her 

Boys 
Their  Sire  half  deadened  with  their  frantic 

joys. 

They  frisked  and  sprang  about  on  ev'ry  side; 
"Oh,  happy  day!  oh,  joyful  hour!"    they 

cried  ; 

"  Who  upon  earth  so  fortunate  as  we  ? 
For  honored  through  our  Father  shall  we  be. 
Our  Enemies  we  now  may  set  at  nought, 
And  have  it  our  own  way,  as  Foxes  ought." 
Now  Reynard  lives  in  honor  and  in  state ; 
Then  let  us  all  his  wisdom  imitate  ; 
Eschew  the  Evil  and  select  the  Good  : 
This  moral  points  our  tale,  when  understood. 
The  truth  with  fables  hath  the  Poet  mixed, 
That  Virtue  in  your  hearts  may  be  infixed  ; 
And  you  who  purchase  and  peruse  this  poem 
May  see  the  ways  o'  th'  world,  and  learn  to 

know  'em ; 

As  it  has  been,  is  now,  and  aye  will  be. 
Here  then  ends  Reynard's  life  and  history  ; 
And  with  a  bow  we  here  lay  down  our  pen. 
The  Lord  preserve  us  evermore.     Amen  ! 

The  scribe  who  erst  this  tale  did  write, 
Now  wends  him  to  the  Wolf's  sad  plight; 
Tells  how  his  friends,  the  Bear  and  Cat, 


In  rueful  council  o'er  him  sat  j 
And  bore  him  from  the  lists  away, 
Upon  a  litter  stuffed  with  hay. 
How  learned  leeches  dressed  each  wound, 
How  all  his  hurts  were  salved  and  bound, 
And  twenty-six,  in  number  found. 
How  some  rare  herb,  rubb'd  in  his  ear, 
Caused  signs  of  life  to  re-appear ; 
And  how  in  piteous  case  he  lay, 
Stretch'd  on  his  bed  for  many  a  day. 


His  wife  attended  him  with  care, 
But  mourn'd  the  loss  she  had  to  bear, 
For  faith  !  unto  their  mutual  pain, 
He  ne'er  was  quite  himself  again. 


THE   END    OF    REYNARD    THE    FOX. 


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